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 juice has a laxative effect and may help relieve heartburn. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025

Prevents and Treats Constipation Most research on prune juice focuses on its laxative effect. —Cynthia Sass, Health, 22 Oct. 2025

Noun

And because consuming a lot of Powerade can act as a mild laxative, speeding through the intestinal tract, bile doesn’t have enough time to break it down to the usual brown color. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025

This includes laxatives and stool softeners like Miralax (polyethylene glycol), Ducolax (bisacodyl), Senna (sennosides), and Colace (docusate sodium). —Kirstyn Hill, Health, 21 Nov. 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