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

"Jasper," a man with severe constipation who passes away in the sweltering waiting room, first appears in the season’s opening episode, and can later be glimpsed shedding layers of clothing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 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

When Schilling revealed her illness in 2023, she said she developed severe stomach cramps a few months beforehand and was initially told she had constipation.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 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

“Like constipation pills, adult diapers, ointments. A bunch of butt-related stuff, now that I think about it.”

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez

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