Prohibit:
* Meaning: To formally forbid or ban something. It implies a strong, official, or legal restriction.
* Connotation: Authority, rule, law, enforcement.
* Example: "The city prohibits parking on the street during snowstorms."
Inhibit:
* Meaning: To restrain or hinder something from happening or developing. It implies a more subtle or internal barrier.
* Connotation: Limitation, restriction, obstacle, suppression.
* Example: "Fear can inhibit people from expressing their true feelings."
Here's a simple way to remember the difference:
* Prohibit is about external rules and restrictions.
* Inhibit is about internal limitations and obstacles.
Examples illustrating the difference:
* Prohibit: The school prohibits the use of cell phones during class. (A formal rule)
* Inhibit: Shyness inhibited her from speaking up at the meeting. (An internal barrier)
In summary:
* Prohibit implies a formal, often legal, ban.
* Inhibit implies a more subtle, internal restraint.
Remember, while the two words are related, they have distinct meanings that can change the tone and impact of your writing.