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

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

Specifically, Isaacson wonders about the long-term effects of her medication, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that is known to raise blood pressure. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026

Our modernization efforts were less about changing the experience and more about removing inhibitors from appreciating it in a modern context. —David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 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