inhibit
To hinder or restrain
Examples
In a meeting
“Micromanagement can inhibit creativity and employee autonomy.”
Over coffee
“Nervousness tends to inhibit my ability to speak clearly in public.”
Why this word
prevent
inhibit means to slow down or restrain a process, while prevent means to stop it completely
hinder
inhibit often describes internal or systemic restraint on natural processes, while hinder is more general about creating obstacles
suppress
inhibit suggests limiting or slowing natural expression or function, while suppress implies forceful elimination
Usage tip
Use when describing something that blocks, slows, or prevents natural development or progress.
Etymology
Latin: inhibere (to hold in), from in- (in) + habere (to hold)
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Related words
preempt
Take action to prevent something before it happens
deter
To discourage someone from taking an action
thwart
To prevent someone from accomplishing something; to block or defeat
prophylactic
Intended to prevent disease or other unwanted consequences
inoculate
To protect against disease or negative influence through preventive treatment
preemptive
Done to prevent something before it happens