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

These mostly have a laxative effect, prompting your gut to release more liquid and bulking up poop to move it through you. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 19 Feb. 2025

Your healthcare provider may ask you to drink an oral laxative solution, such as MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol), before a manual disimpaction. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 16 Feb. 2025

Noun

Stimulant laxatives are a type of laxative that increases movement in the intestines and decreases how much water your body absorbs from your bowel. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025

Osmotic laxatives like magnesium citrate may relieve constipation with IBS. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025

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