YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

inhibit

Verb

IPA /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

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Meaning in plain English

To limit or slow an activity, process or development.

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Pronunciation

inhibit/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

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People want to share ideas
They fear criticism
Discussion slows down

Fear can inhibit discussion by making people less willing to speak.

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The cramped kitchen inhibits movement when everyone is cooking.
Fear of criticism can inhibit discussion in class.

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Fear of criticism can ________ discussion in class.

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inhibit — To limit or slow an activity, process or development.

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To limit or slow an activity, process or development.

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Word origin

From Latin inhibere, meaning to hold back or hinder.

Did you know?

Inhibit can describe an obstacle that reduces activity without stopping it completely.

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