ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inhibitory

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnˈhɪbəˌtɔɹi// UK //ɪnhˈɪbɪtəɹˌi// in·hibito·ry

adj. describing something that stops or limits an action or process. It is often used to talk about chemicals in the body that prevent certain reactions from happening.

adj. tending to restrain, suppress, or prevent an action or process. Often used in biological or psychological contexts to describe substances or mechanisms that reduce activity.


SIMPLE

The drug has an inhibitory effect on the heart.

CONTEXTUAL

The brain uses inhibitory signals to prevent you from moving your muscles when you are sleeping.

COMPLEX

Inhibitory neurotransmitters play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of neural activity, ensuring that the brain does not become overwhelmed by constant stimulation.

Synonyms
Origin

From late 15th century (early modern English). Formed as inhibit + -ory or adapted from Medieval Latin inhibitōrius and Middle French inhibitoire.

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