constipated

[ kon-stuh-pey-tid ]

adjective

1. having a condition of the bowels in which the feces are dry and hardened and evacuation is difficult and infrequent:

   Most constipated people need more fluids and fiber.

2. slow-moving or immobilized, as by overregulation, backlogs, etc.:

   Such an approach only adds to a bloated bureaucracy and constipated decision-making.

3. overly stiff, repressed, or conventional; uptight:

   She describes her husband as “emotionally constipated.”

constipated

/ ˈkɒnstɪˌpeɪtɪd /

adjective

1. suffering from constipation
2. subject to restriction or blockage in a flow of productive activity or creativity

Other Words From

• un·con·sti·pat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constipated¹

First recorded in 1540–50; constipat(e) ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

Our cultural discourse has grown constipated.

From Salon

Lou is stuck and emotionally constipated, and needs to act and basically can’t, won’t, whatever.

From Los Angeles Times

Funnily enough, though, his “Napoleon” might have actually benefited from a bit more fuss, a lot more political-historical insight and a less constipated visual style.

From Los Angeles Times

Increase your fiber intake gradually so your digestive system can adjust, and make sure you are also drinking enough water to avoid becoming constipated.

From Seattle Times

If by chance I eat three in a day, I get constipated.

From Seattle Times