inhibitor

noun

in·​hib·​i·​tor in-ˈhi-bə-tər How to pronounce inhibitor (audio)
Synonyms of inhibitornext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of the most powerful inhibitors of curiosity is fear—the fear of asking the wrong question, fear of being perceived as incompetent, and fear of challenging authority. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Aromatase inhibitor medications may reduce the risk of breast cancer in people who have gone through menopause. — Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 27 Feb. 2025 Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):These medications increase serotonin and norepinephrine and include Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine). — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2025 The researchers then made both the toxin and the strongest inhibitor in bacteria and obtained the structure of their interactions. — Ars Technica, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhibitor

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhibitor was circa 1611

Phrases Containing inhibitor

Rhymes for inhibitor

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inhibitor
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“Inhibitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhibitor. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

inhibitor

noun
in·​hib·​i·​tor in-ˈhib-ət-ər How to pronounce inhibitor (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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