defecate

verb

def·​e·​cate ˈde-fi-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their village lacks toilets and sanitation, and people defecate in the open, which health officials say puts around 2,000 other children at risk of contracting polio, which can be spread by contact with human waste. Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025 Dayana’s young son witnessed the arrests and wasn’t able to defecate for weeks after. Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025 With a pigeon infestation problem inside the prison, pigeons have landed and defecated on trays, according to the complaint. Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The animals would vomit and defecate all over the community and neighboring properties. Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defecate

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defecate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defecate. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

defecate

verb
def·​e·​cate ˈdef-i-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio)
defecated; defecating
: to expel feces from the bowels
defecation noun

Medical Definition

defecate

verb
def·​e·​cate
variants or chiefly British defaecate
defecated; defecating

transitive verb

: to discharge from the anus

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels

More from Merriam-Webster on defecate

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