inhibit

1. prohibit, forbid, or prevent from doing something

- Contact between the young was inhibited by strict social customs

2. limit, block, or decrease the action or function of

- inhibit the action of the enzyme

- inhibit the rate of a chemical reaction

Definition categories: social, hinder, impede

3. consciously restrain from showing; of emotions, desires, impulses, or behavior

Similar word(s): suppress

Definition categories: social

4. make (someone) self-conscious and as a result unable to act naturally

- his father's cold and distant demeanor inhibited him emotionally

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