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 logistics of that can be an inhibitor to growth, especially globally. —Larry Holder, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

Duloxetine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

Nothing would do more to improve the health, lifespan and quality of life for Americans than making GLP inhibitors super low cost to the public. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Many other viruses have their own capsid proteins, which form a shell around their genetic material, so this drug’s triumph raises the exciting prospect that similar capsid inhibitors could fight other viral diseases. —science.org, 12 Dec. 2024

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

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