defecate

[ def-i-keyt ]

verb (used without object)

, def·e·cat·ed, def·e·cat·ing.

1. to void excrement from the bowels through the anus; have a bowel movement.
2. to become clear of dregs, impurities, etc.

verb (used with object)

, def·e·cat·ed, def·e·cat·ing.

1. to clear of dregs, impurities, etc.; purify; refine.

defecate

/ ˈdɛfɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. intr to discharge waste from the body through the anus
2. tr to clarify or remove impurities from (a solution, esp of sugar)

Derived Forms

• ˈdefeˌcator, noun
• ˌdefeˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• def·e·ca·tion [def-i-, key, -sh, uh, n] noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of defecate¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin dēfaecātus (past participle of dēfaecāre “to cleanse, refine”), equivalent to dē- de- + faec- (stem of faex “dregs, sediment”) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of defecate¹

C16: from Latin dēfaecāre to cleanse from dregs, from de- + faex sediment, dregs

Example Sentences

The birds have defaced houses in Mombasa by defecating on the walls and roofs, while many people shy away from sitting under tree shades for fear of being dirtied by their droppings.

From BBC

Whenever lab personnel approached her, she would scream, froth, salivate, urinate, defecate, roll back her eyes, and throw herself against all four sides of her confinement.

From Salon

One shared a video of a deputy defecating on someone’s bed.

From New York Times

Givens also had Crohn’s disease, which caused him to sometimes defecate on himself, a factor attorneys for his sister say made him a target for abuse.

From Seattle Times

As Kantor swiftly discovered, the argument the Alitos were having with their neighbors wasn't over loud parties or defecating dogs, it was over Jan. 6, which the neighbors in question vociferously objected to.

From Salon

Related Words

• discharge
• secrete