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

Unlike conventional inhibitors, which must remain attached to continuously suppress their target, a single Setidegrasib molecule can trigger degradation of multiple KRAS proteins before being reused. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

His first response is to squelch his mutation, much like Bruce Banner keeps the Hulk in check with a handy inhibitor. — ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2026

One of them is Lipfendra, the first PCSK9 inhibitor available as a pill. — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2026

The masked hero pops a power-inhibitor gadget on Jean, allowing Damage Control honcho Bill Metzger (Tramell Tillman) to capture her. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026

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