laxative

1 of 2

adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sə-tiv 

: having a tendency to loosen or relax

specifically : producing bowel movements and relieving constipation

laxative

2 of 2

noun

: a usually mild laxative drug

Examples of laxative in a Sentence

Noun

The doctor prescribed a laxative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This means the digestive system doesn't move food through the intestines properly, which can lead to problems like gas, stomach discomfort, and laxative effects. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 30 Nov. 2024

Early reviews in the U.S. press were largely negative, and some social media users complained the drinks had a laxative effect. —Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024

Noun

Avoid taking magnesium laxatives long-term to prevent dependency. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 20 Nov. 2024

Elvis was a longtime opiate user, having also abused sleeping pills, antihistamines, barbiturates and, lastly, laxatives to treat intense constipation caused by his prescription-grade painkillers. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English laxatif, from Medieval Latin laxativus, from Latin laxatus, past participle of laxare to loosen, from laxus

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv 

: tending to relieve constipation

laxative

2 of 2 noun

: a usually mild drug that helps relieve constipation compare purgative

Medical Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv 

1

: having a tendency to loosen or relax

specifically : relieving constipation

2

: lax sense 2

laxatively adverb

laxative

2 of 2 noun

: a usually mild laxative drug