defecate

verb

def·​e·​cate ˈde-fi-ˌkāt 

defecated; defecating

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels

transitive verb

1

: to discharge from the anus

2

: to free from impurity or corruption

Examples of defecate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Police in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, are now investigating after a parent of Bedford High School in Temperance was caught on camera defecating in Grosse Pointe South High School during a football game Friday night. — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

However, what most people don’t realize is that chickens often defecate on their eggs while laying them. — Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026

There have also been several cases of people defecating near the doorway or on the outdoor patio, necessitating power washing and city support. — Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

God created, Linnaeus organized, Hoser defecated in the middle of the room. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for defecate

• hecate

Kids Definition

defecate

verb

def·​e·​cate ˈdef-i-ˌkāt 

defecated; defecating

: to expel feces from the bowels

defecation

ˌdef-i-ˈkā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

defecate

verb

def·​e·​cate

variants or chiefly British defaecate

ˈdef-i-ˌkāt 

defecated; defecating

transitive verb

: to discharge from the anus

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels