constipate

[ kon-stuh-peyt ]

verb (used with object)

, con·sti·pat·ed, con·sti·pat·ing.

1. to cause constipation in; make costive.
2. Informal. to cause to become slow-moving or immobilized; restrict the action or effectiveness of:

   Bureaucratic red tape can constipate the operations of any government agency.

3. Obsolete. to crowd or pack closely together.

constipate

/ ˈkɒnstɪˌpeɪt /

verb

1. tr to cause constipation in

Other Words From

• con·sti·pat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constipate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English past participle constipat, from Latin constīpātus, past participle of constīpāre, equivalent to con- intensive prefix + Latin stīpāre “to crowd, press”); con-, stiff

Word History and Origins

Origin of constipate¹

C16: from Latin constīpāre to press closely together, from stīpāre to crowd together

Example Sentences

Dalia Lara often drives an hour from her Federal Way home to buy the only baby formula that doesn’t constipate her 3-month-old.

From Seattle Times

But they also entomb vast tracts of fertile soil, constipate rivers, choke habitats and – acting as a rock-hard second skin – desensitise us from what is happening outside our urban fortresses.

From The Guardian

But they also entomb vast tracts of fertile soil, constipate rivers, choke habitats and – acting as a rock-hard second skin – desensitise us from what is happening outside our urban fortresses.

From The Guardian

“Paradoxically, it can constipate you initially,” Nee says, or cause you to feel bloated or gassy.

From Washington Post

I would rather add some nutritious food that won’t constipate her.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• curb
• muzzle
• repress
• silence
• smother
• squelch
• strangle
• suffocate
• suppress