laxative

1 of 2

adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sə-tiv 

: having a tendency to loosen or relax

specifically : producing bowel movements and relieving constipation

laxative

2 of 2

noun

: a usually mild laxative drug

Examples of laxative in a Sentence

Noun

The doctor prescribed a laxative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Stimulant laxative herbs: Taking ACV with stimulant laxative herbs can increase the likelihood of low potassium levels. —Ashley Wong, Health, 11 Feb. 2025

These mostly have a laxative effect, prompting your gut to release more liquid and bulking up poop to move it through you. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 19 Feb. 2025

Noun

Mineral Oil Mineral oil is an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative used to treat constipation. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Jan. 2025

Colonoscopies require bowel prep with strong laxatives and two days off work. —Robert Pearl, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English laxatif, from Medieval Latin laxativus, from Latin laxatus, past participle of laxare to loosen, from laxus

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv 

: tending to relieve constipation

laxative

2 of 2 noun

: a usually mild drug that helps relieve constipation compare purgative

Medical Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv 

1

: having a tendency to loosen or relax

specifically : relieving constipation

2

: lax sense 2

laxatively adverb

laxative

2 of 2 noun

: a usually mild laxative drug