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

Daraxonrasib is an oral RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor designed to block signaling from both mutant and non-mutant RAS proteins. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026

Despite its prevalence, less than 3% of eligible patients receive a checkpoint inhibitor. —Katherine MacPhail, STAT, 31 May 2026

Checkpoint inhibitors like Keytruda have transformed the treatment of lung cancer and are now used in dozens of other cancers. —Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 31 May 2026

Revolution Medicines’ Goldsmith said the company has three other such drugs, called RAS inhibitors, in clinical trials, with a fourth due to start later this year. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 31 May 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