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

Then, in 2019, results of a trial of an SGLT2 inhibitor drug called canagliflozin were presented at a conference. —Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026

Other medication classes, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants or tricyclic antidepressants, may also be used depending on individual needs. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026

In the mix are PCSK9 inhibitors, drugs that block a protein to shrink LDL cholesterol. —Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 13 Mar. 2026

They were treated with either GLP-1 medicines or those in another class called SGLT2 inhibitors. —Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 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