How can an inhibitory neuron prevent another neuron from firing?

In the context of automata theory, a neuron functions as a logical unit that can be either excited or quiescent based on the inputs it receives from other neurons. An inhibitory neuron prevents another neuron from firing by sending a signal that overrides or negates the excitatory inputs required to reach the neuron's activation threshold. Specifically, in the mathematical model formulated by Warren S. McCulloch and Walter Pitts, a neuron will not fire if any neuron with an inhibitory endbulb impinging upon it is excited, regardless of how many excitatory inputs are present.1

Physiologically, this inhibition occurs through the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glycine. These substances typically cause hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane by opening chloride channels, which increases the negative charge inside the cell and makes it more difficult for the neuron to reach the critical threshold necessary to generate an action potential.23