inhibit

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   limit the range or extent of

   Contact between the young was inhibited by strict social customs

2. 2
   verb

   limit, block, or decrease the action or function of

   inhibit the action of the enzyme

3. 3
   verb

   To hold in or hold back; to keep in check; restrain.

   inhibit someone's freedom

4. 4
   verb

   to put down by force or authority

5. 5
   verb

   control and refrain from showing

6. 6
   verb

   To recuse.

Etymology

From Latin inhibitus, perfect passive participle of inhibeō (“to hold in, check, restrain”), from in (“in, at, on”), + habeō (“to have, hold, keep”).