What does laxative mean?
A laxative is a substance, especially a medicine, that helps stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. The word is commonly used in medical, pharmaceutical, and everyday health contexts, with “mild laxative” describing a relatively gentle preparation and “strong laxative” indicating a more powerful or brisk effect. Laxatives work in different ways: some draw water into the bowel, some stimulate its muscular activity, and others soften hardened stool. Although “laxative” may occasionally be used figuratively to mean something that purges or loosens, its primary sense remains medicinal. The term comes from the Latin laxativus, meaning “loosening,” which reflects both its effect on the bowels and its connection with the broader English family of words associated with looseness, including lax, relax, and relaxation.
A medicine or other substance that promotes bowel movements and relieves constipation.
"The pharmacist recommended a gentle laxative to ease her constipation."
This is the ordinary modern use of the word.
Causing bowel movements or the loosening of the bowels.
"Some herbal preparations have a mild laxative effect."
Chiefly used in medical and pharmacological contexts, especially in the phrase “laxative effect.”
The plural is used when referring to more than one substance or preparation, or to laxatives as a class.
"The doctor advised against using laxatives regularly without medical supervision."
From the Latin for “loosening,” a laxative earns its name by loosening the bowels.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laxative come from?
The English word comes from Latin laxativus, an adjective meaning “loosening” or “relieving constipation,” formed from laxare, “to loosen,” from laxus, “loose” or “relaxed.” It entered English through medical usage in the 16th century. Its cognates and related forms reflect the same root, including lax, relax, relaxation, and laxity.
Related word forms
How laxative is actually used
In everyday use, laxative is most often a noun. As an adjective, it is mainly used in medical and pharmacological contexts, especially in phrases such as “laxative effect.” “Aperient” is a more formal or technical alternative, while “purgative” can sound stronger and more dramatic.
Easily confused with laxative
A laxative is a substance that promotes bowel movements, whereas lax means loose, relaxed, or lacking strictness.