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

Constipation means I should make lentils for dinner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025

Constipation can be treated in the community and should not require a hospital admission, but is not being recognised, Ms Cheer added.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

Constipation is a globally prevalent bowel disorder with a worldwide prevalence of 10% to 15%.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2023

Constipation is a condition where the feces are hardened because of excess water removal in the colon.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Constipation and flatulence, or “squeaky gut,” as the men called it, made them even more uncomfortable than they already were.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

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