inhibitor

American  

[in-hib-i-ter] / ɪnˈhɪb ɪ tər /

Or inhibiter

noun

1. a person or thing that inhibits.

2. Chemistry. a substance that decreases the rate of or stops completely a chemical reaction.

3. any impurity in a mineral that prevents luminescence.

4. Rocketry. an inert antioxidant used with solid propellants to inhibit burning on certain surfaces.

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inhibitor British  

/ ɪnˈhɪbɪtə /

noun

1. Also called: inhibiter. a person or thing that inhibits

2. Also called: anticatalyst. a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction Compare catalyst

3. biochem

   1. a substance that inhibits the action of an enzyme

   2. a substance that inhibits a metabolic or physiological process

      a plant growth inhibitor

4. any impurity in a solid that prevents luminescence

5. an inert substance added to some rocket fuels to inhibit ignition on certain surfaces

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Etymology

Origin of inhibitor

First recorded in 1865–70; inhibit + -or ²

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Explanation

An inhibitor is a substance or material that slows down or halts some activity. This word is popular in the chemistry lab, but you might also hear it at a garage. For example, a corrosion inhibitor helps slow down rust. When you feel inhibited, you feel self-conscious and less likely to do things. In chemistry, an inhibitor has the effect of squelching something, shutting it down, or slowing it. For example, in a car engine, antifreeze is an inhibitor — it prevents or slows the formation of ice. Different substances are inhibitors for different reactions and activities. Think of an inhibitor as chemistry's way of saying "Slow down!" or "Stop!"

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inhibitor

And for people with certain medical histories, like having an eating disorder, being pregnant or taking a SGLT2 inhibitor, fasting isn’t a good idea.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026

Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis Academy, which runs more than 50 schools across England, says the heatwaves were a "real inhibitor" to teaching.

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026

Peter’s inner despair gets externalized when he invents a genetic inhibitor neck implant to tamp down his sensitivity.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026

"This finding is unprecedented for a viral polymerase inhibitor and demonstrates the extraordinary antiviral potency of this drug."

From Science Daily ● Jul. 24, 2026

The thymus is the great inhibitor of all the glands of internal secretion.

From The Glands Regulating Personality by Louis Berman M.D.

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