inhibit

To prevent something from happening or make it happen more slowly or less often.

• Cold weather can inhibit growth.
• The drug inhibits the spread of the infection.
• Strict regulations have inhibited investment in the region.

Similar words: hinder, restrain, prevent, slow

Opposites: encourage, stimulate

Common phrases: inhibit growth, inhibit development, inhibit activity

To hold someone's actions, feelings, or freedom back, often by making them feel nervous or embarrassed.

• Shyness inhibited her at parties.
• His presence inhibited the children's usual lively behaviour.
• These rules should not inhibit students from expressing their opinions.

How to use it: inhibit someone from doing something (Fear inhibited him from speaking freely.)

Similar words: restrain, hold back, check

Opposites: encourage, free

Common phrases: inhibit someone, inhibit free expression, inhibit someone's freedom