inhibit
gb/ɪnhˈɪbɪt/ us/ɪnhˈɪbɪt/
B2
English
~ 6500
gátol, visszatart
VERB
C1
FORMAL
1
gátol
B2
Usage pattern:
to inhibit [process/activity/growth]
High interest rates can inhibit economic growth.
A magas kamatlábak gátolhatják a gazdasági növekedést.
The new drug is designed to inhibit the spread of the virus.
Az új gyógyszert arra fejlesztették ki, hogy gátolja a vírus terjedését.
Certain chemicals in grapefruit juice can inhibit the action of these medications.
Low temperatures inhibit the bacteria from multiplying quickly.
The company introduced strict rules to inhibit risky trading practices.
Learner examples
These laws may inhibit the town’s economic growth.
Ezek a törvények gátolhatják a város gazdasági növekedését.
This medicine helps inhibit the virus in the body.
Ez a gyógyszer segít gátolni a vírust a szervezetben.
Cold weather can inhibit the growth of the plants.
The software is used to inhibit unwanted online ads.
New safety rules inhibit dangerous actions at work.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "inhibit" with "forbid". "Inhibit" describes something that naturally or indirectly slows or blocks a process (e.g., a drug inhibits a virus), while "forbid" is a direct order from a person or authority (e.g., the teacher forbids phones in class).
Meaning
prevent or slow a process
Collocations
inhibit growth
|inhibit development
|inhibit the spread
|inhibit a reaction
|inhibit an enzyme
|inhibit activity
Synonyms
restrain (Sounds slightly less technical; often about limiting growth, force, or activity in general.)
|
suppress (Suggests strongly stopping or greatly reducing something, often used with reactions or feelings.)
|
impede (Focuses on making progress slower or more difficult, not always on stopping it completely.)
Antonyms
stimulate (Means to encourage or increase growth or activity, the opposite of slowing or blocking it.)
|
promote (Means to help something grow or develop, not to hold it back.)
Themes
science
|medicine
|business
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To stop something or make it slower or weaker, especially its growth or activity.
To prevent, slow, or limit the activity, growth, or development of something.
VERB
B2
FORMAL
2
gátol
B2
visszatart
B2
Usage pattern:
to inhibit [someone/something] from [doing something]
Shyness can inhibit children from participating in class discussions.
A félénkség gátolhatja a gyerekeket abban, hogy részt vegyenek az órai beszélgetésekben.
Strict rules may inhibit employees from sharing new ideas.
A szigorú szabályok visszatarthatják az alkalmazottakat attól, hogy új ötleteket osszanak meg.
Fear of criticism inhibited her from publishing her first novel.
His formal manner tends to inhibit more relaxed conversation.
Social pressure often inhibits people from showing their true feelings.
Learner examples
Shyness can inhibit a student from asking questions.
A félénkség gátolhatja a diákot abban, hogy kérdéseket tegyen fel.
Fear of making mistakes inhibits many people from speaking English.
A hibázástól való félelem sok embert gátol abban, hogy angolul beszéljen.
A strict boss may inhibit workers from saying what they really think.
Strong rules can inhibit children from being creative.
Bad past experiences inhibit him from trusting others.
Common mistake:
Learners often use "inhibit" where "stop" or "prevent" would sound more natural in everyday speech. For social and emotional contexts, everyday English usually prefers "hold back," "stop," or "make someone too shy"; "inhibit" is more formal and is common in written or academic English.
Meaning
hold back behavior or expression
Collocations
inhibit someone from speaking
|inhibit creativity
|inhibit emotional expression
|socially inhibit
|fear inhibits
|inhibit communication
Synonyms
discourage (Emphasizes reducing someone’s desire or confidence to act, not always fully blocking the action.)
|
hamper (Focuses on making it harder for someone to act freely, often used for abilities or performance.)
|
restrain (Highlights holding back actions or feelings, sometimes with an external force or self-control.)
Antonyms
encourage (Means to give support or confidence so that someone feels more free to act or speak.)
|
liberate (Suggests removing limits so someone can act or express themselves more freely.)
Themes
emotions
|psychology
|social
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To stop a person from acting or speaking in a natural way, often because they feel shy, afraid, or not free.
To make someone less able or less willing to act or express themselves freely, especially because of fear, shyness, or social pressure.
Grammar
Dictionary form
inhibit
IPA
GB/ɪnhˈɪbɪt/
US/ɪnhˈɪbɪt/
Syllables & stress
in - hib - it (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (hib)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: inhibit
- 3rd Person Singular: inhibits
- Present Participle: inhibiting
- Past: inhibited
Word family
Forms
inhibits
verb
inhibiting
verb
inhibited
verb
Core family
inhibition
noun
Related words
inhibitor
noun
Negative and opposite forms
uninhibited
adjective
Advanced or less common
inhibitory
adjective
disinhibit
verb
disinhibition
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.