inhibitor
UK: ɪnˈhɪbɪtə | US: ɪnˈhɪbɪtər
n. a substance that slows down or prevents a chemical reaction or biological process
n. a person or thing that inhibits or restrains an action or behavior
The word "inhibitor" derives from the Latin verb inhibere ("to hold back, restrain"), composed of in- (intensifying prefix) + habere ("to hold"). The suffix -or (from Latin -or, denoting an agent) was added to form a noun indicating "one who or that which inhibits." The term evolved in scientific contexts to describe substances that block reactions, reflecting its core idea of restraint.
The enzyme inhibitor effectively halted the metabolic process.
Social anxiety can act as an inhibitor to forming new relationships.
Scientists developed a corrosion inhibitor to protect the metal surface.
Caffeine is a known inhibitor of adenosine receptors in the brain.
His shyness became an inhibitor to his public speaking progress.