constipation

noun

con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of usually dry hardened feces

2

: stultification

Examples of constipation in a Sentence

A side effect of the drug is constipation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Symptoms, which often develop slowly, can include abdominal distension and pain, nausea, loss of appetite and constipation. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 25 May 2025

Finally, the drug didn't cause any of the side effects of opioids including constipation, memory problems, or sedation. —Michael Franco may 21, New Atlas, 21 May 2025

Gentle massaging of the stomach may help with mild constipation, so brushing your tummy could, in theory, help alleviate the problem. —Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025

Excessive amounts of protein can also lead to constipation, headaches, and bad breath, per the Mayo Clinic. —Sarah Klein, Time, 19 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for constipation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

constipation

noun

con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən 

: abnormally difficult or infrequent bowel movements

Medical Definition

constipation

noun

con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən 

: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of dry hardened feces