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 complaint, filed by Varble Avenue resident Michael Allen, claims Purvis deliberately acted to put speed bumps on Garland Avenue, where Purvis owns property or lives, instead of his street despite a safety study showing the speed inhibitors were recommended for public safety. —Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 10 Dec. 2024

Duloxetine is a prescription medication that belongs to the class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

There’s also a range of anti-inflammatory medicines, biologics, janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and antibiotics that could be prescribed to treat Crohn’s, according to Mayo Clinic. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024

This article concludes the four-part series on the inhibitors of curiosity. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 1 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