constipate

[ kon-stuh-peyt ]

verb (used with object)

, con·sti·pat·ed, con·sti·pat·ing.

1. to cause constipation in; make costive.
2. Informal. to cause to become slow-moving or immobilized; restrict the action or effectiveness of:

   Bureaucratic red tape can constipate the operations of any government agency.

3. Obsolete. to crowd or pack closely together.

constipate

/ ˈkɒnstɪˌpeɪt /

verb

1. tr to cause constipation in

Other Words From

• con·sti·pat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constipate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English past participle constipat, from Latin constīpātus, past participle of constīpāre, equivalent to con- intensive prefix + Latin stīpāre “to crowd, press”); con-, stiff

Word History and Origins

Origin of constipate¹

C16: from Latin constīpāre to press closely together, from stīpāre to crowd together

Example Sentences

There are some foods that tend to constipate while others act as a laxative.

From Project Gutenberg

Certain vegetable and mineral substances taken either intentionally or by accident constipate the bowels.

From Project Gutenberg

The saccharated carbonate of iron is a beautiful preparation that does not constipate—is, indeed, a little laxative in action.

From Project Gutenberg

Brandy is decidedly injurious, it heats and inflames the throat, and tends to constipate the bowels.

From Project Gutenberg

Opium so employed does not produce narcotism, and does not constipate the bowels.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• curb
• muzzle
• repress
• silence
• smother
• squelch
• strangle
• suffocate
• suppress