inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation. You shouldn't allow fear of failure to inhibit you. He was inhibited …

INHIBIT definition: 1. to prevent someone from doing something by making them feel nervous or embarrassed : 2. to slow…. Learn more.

Definition of inhibit verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

inhibit (ɪnˈhɪbɪt) vb (tr) , -its, -iting or -ited 1. to restrain or hinder (an impulse, a desire, etc) 2. to prohibit; forbid

Jan 14, 2026 · inhibit (third-person singular simple present inhibits, present participle inhibiting, simple past and past participle inhibited) (transitive) To hold in or hold back; to keep in check; restrain.

INHIBIT definition: to restrain, hinder, arrest, or check (an action, impulse, etc.). See examples of inhibit used in a sentence.

To inhibit someone from doing something means to prevent them from doing it, although they want to do it or should be able to do it. It could inhibit the poor from getting the medical care they need. [VERB …

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb inhibit, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

To restrain or prevent something or someone from functioning or acting in a particular way. See example sentences, synonyms, and etymology for the verb inhibit.

INHIBIT meaning: 1 : to keep (someone) from doing what he or she wants to do; 2 : to prevent or slow down the activity or occurrence of (something)