defecate
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to void excrement from the bowels through the anus; have a bowel movement.
-
to become clear of dregs, impurities, etc.
verb (used with object)
verb
-
(intr) to discharge waste from the body through the anus
-
(tr) to clarify or remove impurities from (a solution, esp of sugar)
Other Word Forms
- defecation noun
- defecator noun
Etymology
Origin of defecate
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He said he had to urinate in plastic bottles and defecate in bin bags, and that the last time he had a shower was at the end of 2024.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
Consider, then, taking in a mammal that can fell a tree, chew through wire, weighs 30 to 60 pounds full-grown, loves to wrestle, needs to swim and can only defecate in water.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025
Ducks poop everywhere because they’re impossible to potty train — they don’t have sphincters to control when and where they defecate.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2024
In the cooler months of the year — historically from April to September — snakes become sluggish and may not eat, drink, defecate or even move for weeks at a time.
From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2024
Chickens will defecate in their own food if the feeder is lower.
From "Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer" by Kelly Jones
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
