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

The concentration and effects of ACE inhibitors in cheese are significantly lower than those in medication. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025

New drugs to treat alopecia areata called JAK inhibitors were approved in just the last few years, which target the part of the immune system that has become overactive and attacks the hair follicles. —Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 23 Nov. 2025

What are seed germination inhibitors? —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Nov. 2025

And the area also got a recent boost from San Diego Fire-Rescue, which sent out a crew this Halloween to spray roadside brush with a fire inhibitor designed to slow the march of flames. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 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