inibir

Senses

1. 1.

   to inhibit, to suppress

   to prevent or restrain a process, reaction, or activity from occurring

2. 2.

   to inhibit, to make shy

   to make someone feel self-conscious, uncomfortable, or unable to act freely

3. 3.

   to prohibit, to forbid

   to officially prevent or ban something by law or authority

Examples

• "Este medicamento inibe a produção de ácido no estômago."

  This medication inhibits acid production in the stomach.

• "A presença do chefe inibe os funcionários durante as reuniões."

  The boss's presence inhibits employees during meetings.

• "Não se deixe inibir pela timidez-participe da conversa!"

  Don't let shyness inhibit you-join the conversation!

Usage

Common in both medical/scientific contexts (inhibiting processes) and social contexts (feeling inhibited). Often used reflexively as "inibir-se" (to feel inhibited). Common collocations: inibir o crescimento (inhibit growth), sentir-se inibido/a (feel inhibited).