Inhibit — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

Inhibit (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

1. to create difficulty for the work or activity of

   "the cold inhibited her from getting much work done that morning"

   similar: clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel, cramp one's style, give a hard time
   related: balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, block, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate, baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart, derail, disrupt, sabotage, muzzle, repress, suppress, confine, hedge (in), hem (in)
   opposite: aid, assist, facilitate, help
   near: clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, free, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote

2. to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

   "laws designed to inhibit the powers of the intelligence organizations"

   similar: bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, govern, hold, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, tame
   related: bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow, arrest, interrupt, stop, block, hamper, handcuff, hinder, impede, obstruct, gag, muzzle, silence
   opposite: lose
   near: liberate, loose, loosen, unleash, air, express, take out, vent

3. to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action

   "a fundamental sense of propriety should have inhibited you from making a drunken spectacle of yourself"

   similar: deter, discourage, dissuade
   related: divert, unsell, repel
   opposite: encourage, persuade
   near: egg (on), exhort, goad, prod, urge, impel, induce, prompt