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

If the findings are confirmed, the risk score could help doctors tailor recommendations for surveillance intensity and risk-reduction strategies, including medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, specifically for those high-risk women, says Roy. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Oct. 2025

The final hero ingredient is 4-n-butylresorcinol , which is a Korean tyrosinase inhibitor. —Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2025

Baricitinib, a type of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, works by blocking signals in the body that lead to overactivity of the immune system, the researchers explained. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025

Zoryve has a unique active ingredient—roflumilast, an enzyme inhibitor that’s being used for the first time in a topical medication. —Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 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