constipate

Meaning

Verb

1. (ambitransitive) To cause constipation in, render costive.
2. (obsolete) To constrict, contract (tissues, the body, fibres, etc.); to make firm and compact by pressing together.
3. (obsolete) To pack or crowd together.

Adj

Constipated, costive.

Synonyms

clog

bind

confine

decelerate

slow

slow up

render costive

obstipate

choke

Translations

estreñir

stoppen

🛑

constipar

constiper

verstoppen

verstopfen

προκαλώ δυσκοιλιότητα

constipatie veroorzaken

costipare

constreñir

embotar

atascar

inkıbaz vermek

kabzetmek

أمسك

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkɒnstɪˌpeɪt/

Etymology

The adjective is first attested circa 1425, in Middle English, the verb in 1541; inherited from Middle English constipat(e) (“constipated”), borrowed Medieval Latin cōnstīpātus (“constipated”) (or through its Old French equivalent constipé), perfect passive participle of Medieval Latin cōnstīpō (“to cause constipation, to constipate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from Classical Latin cōnstīpō (“to crowd or press tightly together”) (whence obsoleted sense 2 and 3), itself from con- + stīpō (“to press, cram”). Cognate with Middle English constipen (“to constipate”) and doublet of costive; related to stiff.