[in.hib.it] vb [ME, fr. L inhibitus, pp. of inhibere, fr. in-
[2]in- + habere to have--more at habit] vt (15c) 1: to prohibit from doing something
2. a: to hold in check: restrain b: to discourage from free or spontaneous activity esp. through the operation of inner psychological impediments or of social controls ~ vi: to cause inhibition syn see forbid -- in.hib.i.tive adj -- in.hib.i.to.ry adj