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

For people with elevated LDL who don’t respond sufficiently to statins and are at very high risk for cardiovascular disease, strong cholesterol drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors have been found to reduce elevated Lp(a) levels by 20 to 25%. —Stacey Colino, Time, 22 May 2025

These mutations can make the cancer more aggressive but also potentially susceptible to a specific type of drug called a PARP inhibitor, especially if the cancer becomes resistant to hormone therapy. —Jason P. Joseph, The Conversation, 21 May 2025

For example, drugs known as Akt inhibitors may work well in people with certain gene mutations. —Jamin Brahmbhatt, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025

What to Know The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, explored whether immune checkpoint inhibitors could help shrink tumors without the need for surgery. —Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 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