Inhibit vs. Prohibit: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on October 7, 2023
Inhibit means to restrain or slow down a process, while prohibit means to formally forbid by law or authority.
Difference Between Inhibit and Prohibit
Inhibit and prohibit, while both pertaining to restrictions, have distinct nuances. To inhibit refers to the act of restraining, hindering, or slowing down an action or process. This term often suggests a subtler, less absolute form of restraint. In contrast, to prohibit is to outright prevent or forbid something, typically by a rule, law, or authority. This denotes a more definite and often legal boundary.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
In the realm of psychology, for instance, one might say that fear can inhibit a person from taking risks, suggesting an internal, psychological restraint. Meanwhile, a law might prohibit an action, like texting while driving, indicating a clear, external restriction. The distinction here lies in the nature of the restraint: internal and psychological versus external and authoritative.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Chemistry provides another context. A substance might inhibit a reaction, meaning it slows it down but doesn't necessarily stop it entirely. On the other hand, certain regulations might prohibit the use of specific chemicals in food products, completely banning their inclusion.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
In essence, while both inhibit and prohibit involve limitations, the former often implies a reduction in intensity or speed, and the latter signifies an absolute ban or prevention. Context often determines the best word to use, but remembering the underlying distinctions can guide proper usage.
Olivia
Sep 07, 2023
Inhibit vs. Prohibit Comparison Chart
Nature of Restriction
Often subtle, slowing down a process or action.
Absolute, preventing an action entirely.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Contexts
Psychological, chemical, general actions.
Legal, rules, regulations, specific bans.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Origin
From Latin "inhibēre" meaning "to hold in or back."
From Latin "prohibēre" meaning "to keep back."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Usage in Sentence
"His shyness inhibited him from speaking."
"Laws prohibit texting while driving."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Inhibit vs. Prohibit Definitions
◉Inhibit
To hold back or restrain from proceeding.
Lack of confidence can inhibit one's potential.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
◉Prohibit
To ban something explicitly.
The school prohibits the use of cell phones during class.
Henry
Sep 07, 2023
◉Inhibit
To limit the full expression of something.
A strict upbringing might inhibit creativity.
Leo
Sep 07, 2023
◉Prohibit
To formally forbid by authority or law.
The city prohibits smoking in public areas.
Elijah
Sep 07, 2023
◉Inhibit
To discourage or prevent an action.
High costs might inhibit consumers from buying luxury items.
Olivia
Sep 07, 2023
◉Prohibit
To make impossible or unattainable.
Physical limitations might prohibit certain activities.
Leo
Sep 07, 2023
◉Inhibit
To slow down a process or reaction.
Cold temperatures can inhibit the rise of dough.
Jonathan
Sep 07, 2023
◉Prohibit
To prevent or hinder.
Lack of funds may prohibit the expansion of the business.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
◉Inhibit
To hold back; restrain
barricades that inhibited the movement of the crowd.
a lack of knowledge that inhibited his inclination to ask questions.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inhibit
To cause (a person) to behave in a restrained or self-conscious way
He felt inhibited by the presence of so many famous people.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prohibit
To prevent; preclude
Modesty prohibits me from saying what happened.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inhibit
(Psychology) To suppress or restrain (behavior, an impulse, or a desire) consciously or unconsciously.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prohibit
(transitive) To forbid, disallow, or proscribe officially; to make illegal or illicit.
The restaurant prohibits smoking on the patio.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prohibit
To forbid by authority; to interdict; as, God prohibited Adam from eating of the fruit of a certain tree; we prohibit a person from doing a thing, and also the doing of the thing; as, the law prohibits men from stealing, or it prohibits stealing.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inhibit
(Biology) To decrease, limit, or block the action or function of (an enzyme or organ, for example).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prohibit
To hinder; to debar; to prevent; to preclude.
Gates of burning adamant,Barred over us, prohibit all egress.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prohibit
command against;
I forbid you to call me late at night
Mother vetoed the trip to the chocolate store
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inhibit
(transitive) To hold in or hold back; to keep in check; restrain.
inhibit someone's freedom
inhibit someone's education
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prohibit
To block or shut out from something.
His contract prohibits him from working with competitors.
Jonathan
Sep 07, 2023
◉Inhibit
To check; to hold back; to restrain; to hinder.
Their motions also are excited or inhibited . . . by the objects without them.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inhibit
To forbid; to prohibit; to interdict.
All men were inhibited, by proclamation, at the dissolution, so much as to mention a Parliament.
Burial may not be inhibited or denied to any one.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inhibit
To cause the rate of (a chemical or biochemical reaction) to proceed slower, or to halt; as, vitamin C inhibits oxidation; penicillins inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inhibit
To restrain (a behavior) by a mechanism involving conscious or unconscious motivations.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inhibit
to put down by force or authority;
suppress a nascent uprising
stamp down on littering
conquer one's desires
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inhibit
limit the range or extent of;
Contact between the young was inhibited by strict social customs
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inhibit
To reduce the activity or efficiency of a substance or process.
Certain drugs can inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Nolan
Sep 07, 2023
Inhibit vs. Prohibit Frequently Asked Questions
Is inhibit always about an absolute stoppage?
No, inhibit often implies a reduction or hindrance, not always a complete stop.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
How does prohibit typically relate to rules or laws?
Prohibit means to formally forbid something, often by law or authority.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
What does inhibit generally mean in terms of action?
Inhibit refers to restraining or slowing down an action or process.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Which word is more definitive in its restriction?
Prohibit usually suggests a more definite and absolute restriction.
Olivia
Sep 07, 2023
Can prohibit refer to non-legal restrictions?
Yes, prohibit can be used to indicate any strong prevention or ban.
William
Sep 07, 2023
In a psychological context, which word describes internal restraint?
Inhibit often describes internal, psychological restraints.
Kaitlyn
Sep 07, 2023
Which term would likely be used in a legal document to ban an action?
Prohibit would be the more appropriate term for legal bans.
William
Sep 07, 2023
Can inhibit relate to personal feelings or attitudes?
Yes, personal feelings or attitudes can inhibit, or hold back, behaviors or actions.
Kaitlyn
Sep 07, 2023
In terms of chemical reactions, which word implies slowing down without stopping?
Inhibit implies a slowing down of chemical reactions.
William
Sep 07, 2023
Which term might be used to describe rules at a school or institution?
Prohibit would likely describe strict rules or bans at institutions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
