verb
- to cause difficulty in having bowel movements; to make unable to defecate normally
Usage: medical
Examples
- Certain medications can constipate patients.
- Too much cheese tends to constipate young children.
- The doctor warned that iron supplements might constipate her.
- A diet lacking fiber can constipate the digestive system.
- Pain medications often constipate hospital patients.
- Dehydration can constipate both adults and children.