laxative

1 of 2

adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sə-tiv 

: having a tendency to loosen or relax

specifically : producing bowel movements and relieving constipation

laxative

2 of 2

noun

: a usually mild laxative drug

Examples of laxative in a Sentence

Noun

The doctor prescribed a laxative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Aloe vera latex has strong laxative effects, which may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, hypokalemia (low potassium), other electrolyte imbalances, and kidney damage. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025

Consuming pectin regularly may decrease the need for laxative medication.16 6. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 15 May 2025

Noun

The pregame giveaway is a roll of toilet paper combined with a bottle of laxatives, and during the game Rangers players actually touch home plate. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025

Examples of laxatives include senna and Dulcolax (bisacodyl). —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English laxatif, from Medieval Latin laxativus, from Latin laxatus, past participle of laxare to loosen, from laxus

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv 

: tending to relieve constipation

laxative

2 of 2 noun

: a usually mild drug that helps relieve constipation compare purgative

Medical Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv 

1

: having a tendency to loosen or relax

specifically : relieving constipation

2

: lax sense 2

laxatively adverb

laxative

2 of 2 noun

: a usually mild laxative drug