to prevent someone from doing something by making them feel nervous or embarrassed :
be inhibited (from) Some workers were inhibited (from speaking) by the presence of their managers.
to slow down a process or the growth of something:
This drug inhibits the growth of tumours.
to take an action that makes something less likely to happen, or that discourages someone from doing something:
The merger of the two corporations was not allowed because it would inhibit open competition.
Some states have a rule that inhibits lawyers from talking about their cases outside the courtroom.
to prevent something from developing in the way or at the rate that is possible:
inhibit competition/growth/innovation Authorities fear that fewer, bigger airlines will inhibit competition.