What does inhibit mean?
Inhibit means to prevent, slow, or limit something from developing, spreading, or proceeding. It is used for physical and biological processes, such as inhibiting bacterial growth, corrosion, or the spread of a disease, and also for human behavior, as when someone inhibits an impulse or expression. The verb is formal and is common in academic, scientific, medical, and policy contexts, though it is also understood in everyday speech. Its effect is not always absolute: a drug may inhibit a particular enzyme without stopping all treatment, and a rule may inhibit expansion without prohibiting it entirely. Because inhibit often means to hold something back or limit its progress, it conveys controlled restraint rather than the categorical prohibition suggested by forbid.
verbTo prevent or slow down a process, development, or activity. It can also mean to restrain an impulse, emotion, or behavior.
- To prevent, slow, or limit the progress or development of something.
- To restrain or suppress an impulse, emotion, or behavior.
- To prevent or reduce the rate of a chemical, biological, or other technical process.
"The committee decided not to inhibit the development of the new research program."
"Low temperatures can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria."
"She was unable to inhibit her laughter during the solemn ceremony."
"The new coating inhibits corrosion on the metal surface."
The word inhibit comes from Latin for “to hold in,” an apt image for holding back growth, spread, or impulse.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inhibit come from?
Inhibit comes from the Latin inhibere, meaning “to hold in” or “to restrain.” The word was formed from in-, expressing an inward or opposing action, and habere, “to have” or “to hold.” It entered English in the early nineteenth century and developed into its modern general and scientific uses. Related Latin forms include prohibere, “to forbid,” and its derivatives, such as prohibition.
Related word forms
How inhibit is actually used
In general use, inhibit often suggests slowing or limiting something rather than completely preventing it. In scientific and technical contexts, it is commonly used for processes that are reduced, blocked, or kept below a certain level.
Easily confused with inhibit
Inhibit means to prevent or restrain something, often without implying a formal ban, whereas prohibit commonly means to forbid something officially or categorically.