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

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

However, magnesium oxide appears to have better laxative effects and is more widely studied for this purpose.24 How Does Magnesium Chloride Compare to Other Forms? —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 14 May 2025

Noun

Upon discontinuation of the magnesium laxatives, her anemia improved. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 8 May 2025

The doctor instructed the woman to take a laxative, the lawsuit said. —Jennifer Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 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