These words mean "to prevent," "to hinder," "to restrain," and "to forbid." Each suggests a command, law, or impulse to refrain from some action. Inhibit is preferable when the checking or hindering of acts or impulses comes from some inner feeling or condition: "His conscience will inhibit his taking advantage of weak persons." "Fear of cancer may inhibit his continuing to smoke." Prohibit, a more formal word, is preferably used when something is forbidden by law or other authority: "Library regulations prohibit smoking in the main reading room." "State law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages after 8:00 P. M."
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.