'orgasm-inhibiting' originates from Modern English, formed by compounding 'orgasm' and the present participle 'inhibiting' (from 'inhibit'). 'orgasm' itself originates from Greek, specifically the word 'orgasmos'. 'inhibit' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inhibēre'.

'orgasm-inhibiting' is a modern compound combining two older elements: 'orgasm' entered English via Late Latin/Greek ('orgasmos' → Late Latin 'orgasmus' → English 'orgasm'), while 'inhibit' came from Latin 'inhibēre' (through Medieval/Latin-influenced English forms) and produced the present participle 'inhibiting'.

Initially, 'orgasmos' in Greek meant 'to swell' or 'be excited' (physically/emotionally); over time 'orgasm' came to mean sexual climax. 'Inhibēre' meant 'to hold in, restrain', which evolved into the modern 'inhibit' meaning 'to restrain or prevent'. Combined, the compound now means 'preventing or reducing orgasm'.