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 too much sugar alcohol can cause side effects such as laxative effects and digestive symptoms like bloating and gas. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 24 Sep. 2025

The fruit’s high water content and ample fiber and fructose promote a laxative effect on the digestive system.4 3. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2025

Noun

Aloe can act as a laxative, causing diarrhea and electrolyte loss. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025

The previous medical team had missed the condition, and may even have exacerbated it by giving him laxatives. —Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 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