Word
laxative
Phoneticslax·a·tive, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫæksətɪv/
UK/lˈæksətˌɪv/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a medicine that helps you go to the toilet when it is difficult to go. You take it when you are constipated.
n. a substance or medication that stimulates bowel movements or softens stool to relieve constipation.
Examples
“She takes a mild laxative for constipation.”
“The pharmacist recommends a gentle laxative and tells him to drink plenty of water.”
“After surgery, the doctor prescribes a short course of laxative to counteract the constipating effects of pain medication and aid recovery.”
Examples
simple
“She takes a mild laxative for constipation.”
contextual
“The pharmacist recommends a gentle laxative and tells him to drink plenty of water.”
complex
“After surgery, the doctor prescribes a short course of laxative to counteract the constipating effects of pain medication and aid recovery.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “laxative” in context.
Verb
01. depend on laxative
“Try not to depend on laxatives for regular bowel movements.”
verb + prep + noun
02. laxative acts
“This laxative acts quickly, usually within six hours.”
noun + verb
03. laxative helps
“The laxative helps soften stools and makes them easier to pass.”
noun + verb
04. laxative works
“This laxative works overnight, so take it before bed.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. gentle laxative
“The pharmacist recommended a gentle laxative for occasional constipation.”
adj + noun
06. mild laxative
“The doctor suggested starting with a mild laxative first.”
adj + noun
07. natural laxative
“Prunes are known as a natural laxative rich in fibre.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. dose of laxative
“Never exceed the recommended dose of laxative in 24 hours.”
noun + prep + noun
09. effect of laxative
“The effect of the laxative usually wears off within a day.”
noun + prep + noun
10. overuse of laxative
“Overuse of laxatives can cause dehydration and stomach cramps.”
noun + prep + noun
11. avoid overuse of laxatives
“Doctors warn patients to avoid overuse of laxatives.”
12. laxative takes effect overnight
“Take it in the evening, as the laxative takes effect overnight.”
Real-World Examples
“The good news is that castor oil can be an effective laxative, though it can also come with side effects like nausea and vomiting.” “There are competing theories about the origins, including that Number 9 was the name of a laxative pill given by army and navy doctors during World War Two.” “Both prunes and prune juice have a laxative effect that is not entirely understood.” “Until recently, there has been a limited number of high-quality clinical studies assessing the safety and efficacy of sodium picosulfate, the active component in various over-the-counter laxatives.” Etymology
From Middle French laxatif, from Latin laxātīvus (literally “relaxing, loosening”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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