Laxative: meaning, definitions and examples

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laxative

[ ˈlaksətɪv ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

medicine

A laxative is a medicine or food that helps you to empty your bowels.

Synonyms

cathartic, purgative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
laxative

Used in everyday conversations and medical settings to describe substances that help relieve constipation in a mild and gentle manner.

  • She took a mild laxative to help with her constipation
purgative

This word is more intense and is used mainly in medical settings to refer to substances that completely cleanse the bowels. It can sometimes carry a negative or harsh connotation.

  • The doctor prescribed a purgative before the surgical procedure to ensure the bowels were completely clear
cathartic

Commonly used in literary or emotional contexts to describe something that provides psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions. In a medical setting, it is a stronger term for an agent that cleanses the bowels.

  • Watching the movie was a cathartic experience for him, allowing him to process his grief

Examples of usage

  • He took a laxative to relieve his constipation.
  • She recommended drinking prune juice as a natural laxative.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing effect

Having the effect of loosening or opening the bowels.

Synonyms

cathartic, purgative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
laxative

Typically used in everyday language to refer to substances or medications that help relieve constipation by softening stools or stimulating bowel movements.

  • She took a mild laxative for her constipation.
  • The doctor recommended a natural laxative like prunes.
purgative

Typically used in medical or more formal contexts to describe strong substances that completely cleanse the bowels. These are generally stronger than regular laxatives and may have a more intense effect.

  • They gave him a purgative to prepare for the medical procedure.
  • Ancient physicians often used purgatives as a common treatment.
cathartic

Often used in a broader sense to describe an emotional release or cleansing experience, though it can also refer to a medical substance that cleanses or purges the bowels.

  • Writing in her journal felt like a cathartic experience.
  • The doctor prescribed a cathartic to clear his bowels before the surgery.

Examples of usage

  • The laxative properties of the herbal tea helped with digestion.
  • She experienced the laxative effect of the medication.

Translations

Translations of the word "laxative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 laxante

🇮🇳 रेचक

🇩🇪 Abführmittel

🇮🇩 pencahar

🇺🇦 проносний засіб

🇵🇱 środek przeczyszczający

🇯🇵 下剤

🇫🇷 laxatif

🇪🇸 laxante

🇹🇷 müshil

🇰🇷 완하제

🇸🇦 ملين

🇨🇿 projímadlo

🇸🇰 preháňadlo

🇨🇳 泻药

🇸🇮 odvajalo

🇮🇸 laxerandi

🇰🇿 іш жүргізетін дәрі

🇬🇪 საშლელი

🇦🇿 iç qovucu

🇲🇽 laxante

Etymology

The word 'laxative' comes from the Latin word 'laxativus' meaning 'having the power to loosen or relax'. The concept of using substances to promote bowel movements has been around for centuries, with various natural remedies and herbs being used for their laxative properties. In modern times, laxatives are commonly used to treat constipation and promote regular bowel movements.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,386, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.