repressor

/ˈriːprɛsər/

Definitions

1. noun

A gene or protein that inhibits the expression of another gene, especially by binding to a regulatory DNA sequence

“The repressor proteins in the bacteria are responsible for preventing the expression of certain virulence factors.”

2. noun

A person or thing that represses or suppresses something

“The government was seen as a repressor of free speech during the time of martial law.”

Synonyms

  • inhibitor
  • restrainer
  • suppressor

Antonyms

  • activator
  • promoter