constipation
Americannoun
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constipations
plural
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a condition of the bowels in which the feces are dry and hardened and evacuation is difficult and infrequent.
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Informal. a state of slowing down, sluggishness, or inactivity.
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Obsolete. the act of crowding anything into a smaller compass; condensation.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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The findings may help clarify why walking is so often recommended for people dealing with constipation.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2026
What appears to be appendicitis turns out to be severe constipation, a public announcement I’m sure his schoolmates will handle with grace and maturity.
From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2026
It features a snowmobile adventure and a trip to the ER for their son Patrick, who was diagnosed with severe constipation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
And, like any medication, there can be side effects to using Foundayo, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
Most people think stammering and stuttering are the same but they're as different as diarrhea and constipation.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
I had no idea about things like the severe constipations, the bleeding gums or that my lasered moustache would come back You’re the first comedian to make a special while pregnant.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 9, 2016
I had no idea about things like the severe constipations, the bleeding gums or that my lasered moustache would come back.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 9, 2016
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