Meaning & use
constipation
Last updated
UK/ˌkɒnstɪˈpeɪʃn/
US/ˌkɑnstəˈpeɪʃn/
Meaning
noununcountablemedical
A condition in which a person has difficulty passing hard stools, or cannot do so as often as normal.
Grammar: No plural and no a: she suffers from constipation.
Patterns
- suffer from constipation
- relieve constipation
Eating more fiber can help prevent constipation.
The doctor said the pills were causing his constipation.
Constipation is common in people who drink too little water.
Common combinations
- suffer from constipation
- Many travelers suffer from constipation on long trips.
- chronic constipation
- Chronic constipation needs medical attention.
- relieve constipation
- Prunes are a well-known way to relieve constipation.
- cause constipation
- Some painkillers can cause constipation.
- prevent constipation
- Drinking water helps prevent constipation.
Synonyms and how they differ
- irregularity
- Irregularity is a polite, vague word used in advertising, while constipation names the specific problem.
- blockage
- Blockage suggests a physical obstruction and can be more serious, whereas constipation is usually a common digestive problem.
Opposites
Word family
- constipated adjective
- suffering from constipation
- constipate verb
- to cause constipation
- laxative noun
- a medicine that eases constipation
Commonly confused: constipation or consternation?
constipation vs consternation
Consternation means shock or dismay and has nothing to do with digestion, despite the similar start.
Practice
Which advice helps prevent constipation?
Choose one answer.
Fiber and water keep the digestive system moving. The other options would make it harder to pass stools.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “constipation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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