inhibitory
/ɪnˈhɪb.ɪ.tər.i/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈhɪb.ɪ.tɔːr.i/ (ame, ipa)
inhibitory — adjective
- inhibitorypositive
- more inhibitorycomparative
- most inhibitorysuperlative
1. Causing an activity, reaction, or growth pattern to be reduced or kept from cont
Causing an activity, reaction, or growth pattern to be reduced or kept from continuing normally.
The drug has an inhibitory effect on the growth of cancer cells.
collocation: inhibitory effect on
Too much salt has an inhibitory effect on yeast in bread dough.
This coating is inhibitory to mold in damp bathrooms.
An inhibitory signal from the brain slows muscle movement after injury.
- suppressive
More formal and often used when something actively keeps an action or response down.
- restraining
Broader and often used for something that holds movement, growth, or force back.
- stimulating
Describes something that increases activity, growth, or response instead of slowing it.
- activating
Used when something starts or increases a process rather than reducing it.
文法句型
inhibitory + noun
be + inhibitory + to + noun
have an inhibitory effect on + noun
用法筆記
Common in scientific, medical, and technical writing, especially with words such as effect, signal, and control. Unlike sense 2, this sense describes an effect on a process or system rather than on a person's confidence.
2. Making a person hold back, speak less, or avoid acting naturally because they fe
Making a person hold back, speak less, or avoid acting naturally because they feel shy or self-conscious.
The formal room had an inhibitory atmosphere, so nobody laughed loudly.
collocation: inhibitory atmosphere
The school's strict rules felt inhibitory to many first-year students.
pattern: feel inhibitory to + person
Olivia found the networking event inhibitory and stayed near the door.
The manager's cold smile was inhibitory, and the interns stopped chatting.
- restraining
Can describe anything that holds someone back, including physical or emotional limits.
- discouraging
Focuses on making someone feel less willing to join in or continue.
- encouraging
Describes something that makes people feel ready to speak or act.
- relaxed
Used for an atmosphere or manner that helps people feel at ease.
文法句型
inhibitory + noun
be + inhibitory
feel + inhibitory
用法筆記
Usually used for an atmosphere, rule, social setting, or another person's manner that makes people feel less free. Unlike sense 1, it is about limiting natural behavior through tension or embarrassment, not about slowing a physical or biological process.