inhibit

inhibit definition - medical

in·hib·it (ĭn-hĭbˈĭt)

verb
  1. To hold back; restrain.
  2. To suppress or restrain a behavioral process, an impulse, or a desire consciously or unconsciously.
  3. To prevent or decrease the rate of a chemical reaction.
  4. To decrease, limit, or block the action or function of something in the body, as an enzyme or organ.

Related Forms:

  • in·hibˈi·toˌry (-tôrˌē) adjective

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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