defecate

verb
def·​e·​cate | \ ˈde-fi-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio) \
defecated; defecating

Definition of defecate

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels

transitive verb

12 : to discharge from the anus
2 : to free from impurity or corruption

Examples of defecate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Read why nearly a billion people still defecate outdoors, and the problem isn’t just a lack of toilets. National Geographic, "THE BEST OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX," 31 Mar. 2020 In exchange, the baby builds a web across the plant’s lips, captures and eats other insects and then defecates into its maw, or pitcher. Joanna Klein, New York Times, "The Weird World Inside a Pitcher Plant," 7 Mar. 2018 Rolley lost consciousness and defecated on himself, according to the lawsuit. Ashley Remkus | Aremkus@al.com, al, "After being beaten while handcuffed, two inmates sue Alabama prison guards," 29 Apr. 2020 Tens of thousands of toilets have been built in the region to stop people from defecating in the open, according to state officials. Washington Post, "India’s worst-hit state for encephalitis turning a tide," 2 Nov. 2019 The dog was seen defecating by a resident, who said the man walked away without cleaning up after the dog. cleveland, "Snowman goes missing from resident’s yard: Mayfield Village Police Blotter," 21 Feb. 2020 Over the next 11 hours, the coyote didn't even defecate or urinate while spending the night in the relative warmth of Boroditsky's car. Ryan Prior, CNN, "After hitting a dog with his car, a Canadian man drove it to safety. Turns out it was a coyote," 3 Dec. 2019 As for Goose, Raymond rescued the stray orange cat, which had been hanging around the drama school Raymond taught at and defecating on the stage. oregonlive, "Portland man leaves China – and his kitten – in a hurry over fears of coronavirus," 13 Feb. 2020 Dogs have barked, urinated and defecated on planes. Jason Haag, WSJ, "Phony Service Dogs Hurt Veterans," 26 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'defecate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of defecate

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

History and Etymology for defecate

Latin defaecatus, past participle of defaecare, from de- + faec-, faex dregs, lees

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Time Traveler for defecate

Time Traveler

The first known use of defecate was in the 15th century

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Statistics for defecate

Cite this Entry

“Defecate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defecate. Accessed 22 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for defecate

defecate

verb
How to pronounce defecate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of defecate

formal : to pass solid waste from the body

defecate

verb
def·​e·​cate
variants: or chiefly British defaecate \ ˈdef-​i-​ˌkāt How to pronounce defaecate (audio) \
defecated; defecating

Medical Definition of defecate

transitive verb

: to discharge from the anus

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels

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More from Merriam-Webster on defecate

Spanish Central: Translation of defecate

Nglish: Translation of defecate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of defecate for Arabic Speakers

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