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

While 32% of those surveyed in the U.S. consider data privacy regulation as one of the main inhibitors to sharing data with other banks, 30% worry about the potential for misuse. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

In the meantime, most utilities will continue to treat their water with corrosion inhibitors — compounds that help prevent plumbing from leaching large amounts of lead into people’s tap water. —Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2025

Ukrainian soldiers conduct mortar training, as members of the anti-drone unit test an inhibitor earlier this month. —Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 27 May 2025

These include serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine).7 How To Tell the Difference Between Anxiety and High Blood Pressure High blood pressure and anxiety have differences. —Angela Ryan Lee, Health, 15 May 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