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

In some cases, constipation can even cause fecal impaction, which means the stool is too hard to pass without medication or a procedure. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025

Fiber offers a wide variety of health benefits, including preventing constipation, supporting healthy digestion and weight management, and potentially reducing the risk of diabetes and cancer. —Courtney Southwick, Health, 8 Sep. 2025

Straining was not independently predictive of hemorrhoids, and baseline constipation did not differ between groups. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Sep. 2025

Ondansetron, doxylamine and corticosteroids were rated as the most helpful medications, but many respondents reported side effects such as constipation, sedation and impaired cognition. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 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