constipate

verb

con·​sti·​pate ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌpāt How to pronounce constipate (audio)
constipated; constipating

transitive verb

1
: to cause constipation in
2
: to make immobile, inactive, or dull : stultify
so much clutter … will tend to constipate the novel's working order— The Times Literary Supplement (London)

Examples of constipate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Drink adequate amounts of fluids: People who drink the least are more likely to be constipated, Gomez said. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 June 2023 If you’re constipated and can’t poop, pressure from the unrelieved waste could be pressing on those nerves, causing those sore testicles. — Elizabeth Millard, Men's Health, 31 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin constipatus, past participle of constipare, from Latin, to crowd together, from com- + stipare to pack tight — more at stiff

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constipate was in 1533

Rhymes for constipate

See All Rhymes for constipate

Browse Nearby Words

consternation
constipate
constipated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constipate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constipate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

constipate

verb
con·​sti·​pate ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌpāt How to pronounce constipate (audio)
constipated; constipating
: to cause constipation in

Medical Definition

constipate

transitive verb
con·​sti·​pate ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌpāt How to pronounce constipate (audio)
constipated; constipating
: to make costive : cause constipation in

More from Merriam-Webster on constipate

Nglish: Translation of constipate for Spanish Speakers

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