Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Constipating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšซ
Add to dictionary

constipating

[kษ’nstษชpeษชtษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Constipating refers to the state of causing constipation, which is difficulty in emptying the bowels, typically associated with hardened feces. This term is often used in medical discussions to describe certain foods or medications that can lead to reduced bowel movements. It indicates that a substance may lead to discomfort or the inability to pass stool regularly.

Synonyms

binding, obstipating, stool-hardening.

Examples of usage

  • Some medications may be constipating.
  • High dairy intake can be constipating.
  • Long periods of inactivity are constipating.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Certain foods, like cheese and processed grains, can stop things from moving through your digestive system.
  • Dehydration can also be a culprit, as water helps keep everything flowing smoothly.
  • Stress and lack of exercise can contribute to issues with digestion, leading to problems like constipation.

Pop Culture

  • Shows that humorously depict stomach issues often highlight constipation as a common concern for comedic effect.
  • Advertisements for fiber supplements frequently reference how they can help alleviate constipating effects in diets.
  • In cartoons, characters who eat too much or the wrong food often end up experiencing humorous constipation scenes.

Psychology

  • Mental stress can lead to physical symptoms like constipation, highlighting the mind-body connection.
  • Behavioral changes in routine, such as travel or new environments, can impact digestion and lead to feeling constipated.
  • Some studies suggest that anxiety can physically manifest in the body, affecting how one's digestive system operates.

Origin of 'constipating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from the Latin 'constipare,' meaning 'to press together' or 'to condense.'
  • In English, it has been used since the late 14th century to refer to the act of hindering bowel movements.
  • Related medical terms often use similar roots, emphasizing the relationship to tightness or congestion in the body.

The word 'constipating' originates from the Latin 'constipare', which means 'to press together, to crowd' or 'to impede'. Over time, the term evolved in the medical vernacular to specifically refer to the slowing down or prevention of bowel movements. It became more commonly used in English in the late 19th century as modern medicine began to explore digestive health in greater depth. The prefix 'con-' means 'together' and 'stupare' relates to the idea of stopping or obstructing. Thus, the term encapsulated the process wherein the digestive system fails to function smoothly, resulting in constipation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,403, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.