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

These bulges are made from actin, a protein that helps shape the cell, and they weren’t stopped by certain inhibitors, meaning the process may be similar to other cell activities. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025

Most were taking either a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Dec. 2025

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and certain heart or kidney conditions. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2025

New drugs to treat alopecia areata called JAK inhibitors were approved in just the last few years, which target the part of the immune system that has become overactive and attacks the hair follicles. —Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 23 Nov. 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