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

To prepare ayahuasca, a plant containing DMT is boiled with another plant that contains a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as harmaline, and the resulting brew is then consumed. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026

Options include topical or oral minoxidil, antihormonal therapies such as spironolactone (for women), or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride or dutasteride. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Feb. 2026

This study found these inhibitors were able to work with two enzymes that control eating behavior. —Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026

Clinical trials are looking at a new generation of blood thinners known as Factor XIa inhibitors, which work by targeting a particular protein involved in the clotting process and may have a lower risk of bleeding than the current versions. —David Cox, NBC news, 5 Feb. 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