inhibit

Definitions

in- (back) + hibit (hold) = hold back. Something is kept from happening fully — restrained, not stopped dead. Works in two registers: scientific (inhibit a reaction, inhibit growth) and psychological (fear inhibits you, an inhibited person).

Common Collocations

• 1.inhibit growth抑制生长
• 2.inhibit development妨碍发展
• 3.[inhibit] function[抑制]功能

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Cold temperatures inhibit the growth of bacteria.

• 2.

  The drug inhibits the enzyme responsible for inflammation.

• 3.

  Fear of failure can inhibit creativity.

• 4.

  She felt too inhibited to dance in front of strangers.

Easily Confused

inhibit vs prohibit — Easy to confuse by spelling. prohibit is to forbid by authority (the law prohibits it = it's not allowed). inhibit is to slow down or restrain (cold inhibits growth = it still happens, just less). Forbidden → prohibit; held back → inhibit.