inhibit

(ĭn-hĭbˈĭt)

1. To hold back; restrain. See Synonyms at restrain.
2. To prohibit; forbid.
3. Psychology To suppress or restrain (behavior, an impulse, or a desire) consciously or unconsciously.
4. a. Chemistry To prevent or decrease the rate of (a reaction).
   b. Biology To decrease, limit, or block the action or function of (an enzyme or organ, for example).

Related Forms:

• in·hibˈit·a·ble adjective

• in·hibˈi·tive, in·hibˈi·toˌry (-tôrˌē, -tōrˌē) adjective