Tools: Learn New Words | Secure Password Generator | Startup Tools | PDF Generator

Inhibit (Verb)

Make (someone) self-conscious and as a result unable to act naturally; "his father's cold and distant demeanor inhibited him emotionally".

Verbs of feeling.

Her shyness around strangers often inhibits her from expressing her true personality.
The thought of being in the spotlight can inhibit people from pursuing their passions.
His strict upbringing inhibited him from speaking out and questioning authority.
Being in a crowd of people she didn't know well inhibited her from dancing freely.
The fear of rejection inhibited her from approaching the person she had a crush on.

Consciously restrain from showing; of emotions, desires, impulses, or behavior; "suppress a smile"; "he let his anger bottle up until he exploded".

Verbs of political and social activities and events.

She struggled to inhibit her tears during the eulogy, but a single drop managed to escape.
He learned to inhibit his desire for revenge as he realized it would only bring more harm.
After the incident, the politician had to inhibit her reactions to avoid sparking controversy.
His love for the wrong person made it hard for him to inhibit his emotions around her.
The therapist encouraged the children to express themselves, not inhibit their feelings through fear of judgment.

Limit, block, or decrease the action or function of; "inhibit the action of the enzyme"; "inhibit the rate of a chemical reaction".

Verbs of political and social activities and events.

Certain medications can inhibit the production of stomach acid, reducing the risk of ulcers.
High levels of phytic acid in plant-based foods can inhibit the absorption of essential minerals like iron and zinc.
Hormones released by the pituitary gland can inhibit the function of other endocrine glands, regulating growth and development.
The use of fire retardants can inhibit the spread of flames, giving people more time to evacuate a burning building.
Caffeine can inhibit the activity of certain neurotransmitters, such as adenosine, which helps regulate sleep patterns.

Prohibit, forbid, or prevent from doing something; "Contact between the young was inhibited by strict social customs".

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..

Strict laws inhibit the freedom of speech in some countries.
Fear of failure can inhibit people from taking risks.
The rules of the monastery inhibited the monks from interacting with the outside world.
His shyness inhibited him from speaking in front of a large audience.
Asthma medications help to inhibit the allergic reactions in patients with severe asthma.