inhibiting

Putting the brakes

Inhibiting describes something that holds back, restrains, or suppresses action or development.

A drug may have an inhibiting effect on tumor growth.

Social anxiety has an inhibiting influence on self-expression.

The cold weather was inhibiting our progress.

The word suggests a dampening or blocking force rather than complete prevention.

restricting

restricting

Placing limits upon

hampering · hindering · impeding · curtailing · deterring · obstructing · encumbering · fettering · shackling · blocking

suppressing

suppressing

Forcibly restraining or inhibiting

smothering · subduing · dampening · muting · squelching · repressing · silencing · extinguishing · crushing · throttling

restraint

restraint

Control over impulses

discipline · abstinence · prudence · forbearance · reserve · caution · discretion · sobriety · continence · self-denial

psychological

anxiety

Persistent apprehensive distress

overthinking · hesitation · apprehension · avoidance · shyness · insecurity · timidity · reluctance · guardedness · hang-up

biological

neurotransmitter

Synaptic chemical messenger

antibody · antibiotic · antiviral · sedative · depressant · anesthetic · tranquilizer · SSRI · immunosuppressant

Categories
Opposites
restraint vs. facilitation

inhibitingencouraging

Giving confidence or hope

promoting · facilitating · enabling · allowing · permitting

psychological constraint vs. liberation

inhibitingliberating

Setting free from constraint

freeing · emboldening · encouraging · disinhibiting · empowering

biological/chemical suppression vs. activation

inhibitingactivating

Causing to function

stimulating · exciting · catalyzing · promoting · inducing

Phrases
Family

inhibition, inhibitions, disinhibition, disinhibiting

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G