inhibitor

noun

in·​hib·​i·​tor in-ˈhi-bə-tər 

: one that inhibits: such as

a

: an agent that slows or interferes with a chemical action

b

: a substance that reduces or suppresses the activity of another substance (such as an enzyme)

Examples of inhibitor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cholinesterase Inhibitors The caffeine in coffee has serious effects on medications for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia called cholinesterase inhibitors. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2026

Take Blood Pressure Medications Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are blood pressure medications that reduce stress on your kidneys. —Brandi Jones, Health, 7 Jan. 2026

The need-to-know this morning Alumis said envudeucitinib, its oral TYK2 inhibitor, achieved multiple skin-clearance efficacy goals in two Phase 3 clinical trials involving patients with plaque psoriasis. —Elaine Chen, STAT, 6 Jan. 2026

These bulges are made from actin, a protein that helps shape the cell, and they weren’t stopped by certain inhibitors, meaning the process may be similar to other cell activities. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing inhibitor

• ACE inhibitor
• protease inhibitor
• proton pump inhibitor
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Rhymes for inhibitor

• exhibitor

Medical Definition

inhibitor

noun

in·​hib·​i·​tor in-ˈhib-ət-ər 

: one that inhibits: as

a

: an agent that slows or interferes with a chemical reaction

b

: a substance that reduces the activity of another substance (as an enzyme)

c

: a gene that checks the normal effect of another nonallelic gene when both are present