NYT Dictionary

INHIBIT

/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/
Verbin-HIB-itin-hib-it · 3 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

To hold in or hold back; to keep in check; restrain.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From Latin inhibitus, perfect passive participle of inhibeō (“to hold in, check, restrain”), from in (“in, at, on”), + habeō (“to have, hold, keep”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

behedgebluntcrimpforeclosedelaydifficultdiminishforestayretroactinterfere

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.