inhibit
UK: ɪnˈhɪbɪt | US: ɪnˈhɪbɪt
vt. to restrain, prevent, or hinder (an action, process, or behavior)
vt. (Psychology) to consciously suppress (an impulse or desire)
vt. (Biology/Chemistry) to slow down or block (a reaction or function)
The word traces back to Latin inhibēre ("to hold back, restrain"), combining in- (against) + habēre (to hold). It entered Middle English via Old French inhibiter, initially used in legal contexts ("to prohibit by authority"). Over time, it expanded to psychology (suppressing impulses) and science (blocking reactions), preserving the original sense of "holding back."
The strict rules inhibit creativity in the workplace.
She tried to inhibit her laughter during the serious meeting.
Certain chemicals can inhibit bacterial growth.
Fear of failure often inhibits people from taking risks.
The enzyme inhibitor effectively inhibits the metabolic pathway.