'oxidation-inhibiting' is a modern English compound formed from 'oxidation' + 'inhibiting'. 'Oxidation' originates from French/Latin (via scientific coinage), specifically from French 'oxydation' and ultimately from Greek 'oxys' where 'oxys' meant 'sharp' or 'acid'. 'Inhibiting' comes from Latin 'inhibēre', where the prefix 'in-' meant 'in/on' and the root (from habēre/inhibēre derivation) meant 'to hold' or 'to restrain'.

'oxidation' entered scientific English in the late 18th century (coined in the context of oxygen chemistry by early chemists such as Lavoisier), evolving from French forms of 'oxide' + '-ation'. 'Inhibit' passed into English from Latin 'inhibēre' via Medieval/Latin and Old French channels; the present participle form 'inhibiting' is the standard English verbal adjective form.

Initially, 'oxidation' referred specifically to reactions involving oxygen (and 'oxys' suggested 'acid-forming' in early chemistry); over time it broadened to mean the general loss of electrons or combination with oxygen. 'Inhibit' originally meant 'to hold in' or 'restrain' in Latin; its modern sense 'to hinder or prevent' is a direct development. Together, the compound has the straightforward modern meaning 'acting to prevent oxidation'.