defecate

American  

[def-i-keyt] / ˈdɛf ɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used without object)

defecated, defecating

1. to void excrement from the bowels through the anus; have a bowel movement.

2. to become clear of dregs, impurities, etc.

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verb (used with object)

defecated, defecating

1. to clear of dregs, impurities, etc.; purify; refine.

defecate British  

/ ˈdɛfɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to discharge waste from the body through the anus

2. (tr) to clarify or remove impurities from (a solution, esp of sugar)

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Other Word Forms

• defecation noun
• defecator noun

Etymology

Origin of defecate

First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin dēfaecātus (past participle of dēfaecāre “to cleanse, refine”), equivalent to dē- de- + faec- (stem of faex “dregs, sediment”) + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The influx of tourists to the town of Fujiyoshida has led to chronic traffic congestion and litter, while some residents say they've experienced tourists trespassing or defecating in private gardens.

From BBC

In thirty years, we've gone from "white parrots" to "defecating squirrels".

From BBC

And within moments of introducing him, the camera captures him defecating in the open because he has no other choice.

From Salon

The digital pets, which need attending to when they are hungry, sick or have defecated on the virtual floor, grow up as users care for them -- but can die if they are neglected.

From Barron's

Toilets crawling with rats, maggots and flies became so noxious that neighbors began defecating on the surrounding dirt roads.

From Salon

Related Words

• discharge
• secrete