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 checkpoint inhibitor used, dostarlimab, has already been fast-tracked by the FDA for certain cancers with specific genetic mutations. —Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025

Investigators also found disparities in access to advanced IBD therapies, such as biologics and JAK inhibitors, across different racial and ethnic groups. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Her psychiatrist raised her dose of Cymbalta, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) commonly used to treat depression, and put her back on Wellbutrin. —Samhita Mukhopadhyay, SELF, 26 Mar. 2025

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug class consists of several medications. —Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 20 Mar. 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