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View synonyms for constipate

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Other Words From

  • con·sti·pat·ed adjective
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of constipate1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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consternationconstipated