inhibit

CEFRC1

/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To prevent or slow an action, process, or feeling.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To recuse.

Examples

  • A lack of oxygen may inhibit brain development in the unborn child.

  • He noticed that this drug seemed to inhibit bacterial growth.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
3
Parts of speech
1
Synonyms
5

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meaning
  1. To hold in or hold back; to keep in check; restrain.

More examples

In context
  • Fear can inhibit success.

  • inhibit someone's education

  • inhibit someone's freedom

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

Cold temperatures can blank the growth of harmful bacteria in stored food.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Latin inhibitus, perfect passive participle of inhibeō (“to hold in, check, restrain”), from in (“in, at, on”), + habeō (“to have, hold, keep”).