constipation

American  

[kon-stuh-pey-shuhn] / ˌkɒn stəˈpeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a condition of the bowels in which the feces are dry and hardened and evacuation is difficult and infrequent.

2. Informal. a state of slowing down, sluggishness, or inactivity.

3. Obsolete. the act of crowding anything into a smaller compass; condensation.

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constipation British  

/ ˌkɒnstɪˈpeɪʃən /

noun

1. infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels, with hard faeces, caused by functional or organic disorders or improper diet

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Etymology

Origin of constipation

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English constipacioun, from Middle French, from Late Latin constīpātiōn-, stem of constīpātiō; equivalent to constipate + -ion

Compare meaning

How does constipation compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• obstipation vs. constipation

Example Sentences

Chronic stress is widely known to throw digestion off balance, leading to symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

In clinical trials, at least 20% of patients experienced nausea, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting, and between 5% and 10% of patients, depending on which dose they were taking, discontinued treatment.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Eating foods that contain gluten can trigger a range of gut symptoms, such as diarrhoea, stomach aches, sloating and flatulence, indigestion and constipation.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Between 40 and 70 percent of patients on these drugs report gastrointestinal adverse effects, like acid reflux, chronic diarrhea, and/or constipation.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

"The nurse will be in soon with your constipation medicine," Max says cheerfully.

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi

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