Word
laxatives
Phoneticslax·a·tives, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫæksətɪvz/
UK/lˈæksətˌɪvz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. medicines that help you go to the toilet more easily when you are constipated.
n. substances or medicines that stimulate bowel movements or loosen stool to relieve constipation.
Examples
“She takes laxatives only when her doctor tells her to.”
“After surgery, the nurse gave him mild laxatives to prevent constipation from the pain medication.”
“Although over-the-counter laxatives offer quick relief for occasional constipation, frequent use can make the bowel dependent on them and mask more serious digestive problems.”
Examples
simple
“She takes laxatives only when her doctor tells her to.”
contextual
“After surgery, the nurse gave him mild laxatives to prevent constipation from the pain medication.”
complex
“Although over-the-counter laxatives offer quick relief for occasional constipation, frequent use can make the bowel dependent on them and mask more serious digestive problems.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “laxatives” in context.
Verb
01. abuse laxatives
“Abusing laxatives for weight loss can cause serious dehydration.”
verb + noun
02. laxatives cause
“Some laxatives cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea if overused.”
noun + verb
03. laxatives relieve
“Osmotic laxatives relieve constipation by drawing water into the bowel.”
noun + verb
04. laxatives work
“These laxatives work within six to twelve hours.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. gentle laxatives
“She prefers gentle laxatives that work overnight without cramps.”
adj + noun
06. herbal laxatives
“He bought some herbal laxatives from the health food shop.”
adj + noun
07. mild laxatives
“The doctor suggested starting with mild laxatives for occasional constipation.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. course of laxatives
“The doctor prescribed a short course of laxatives after surgery.”
noun + prep + noun
09. dose of laxatives
“Never exceed the recommended dose of laxatives on the label.”
noun + prep + noun
10. effect of laxatives
“Drink plenty of water to improve the effect of laxatives.”
noun + prep + noun
11. a short course of laxatives
“The pharmacist recommended a short course of laxatives and more fibre.”
12. do not abuse laxatives
“Doctors warn patients do not abuse laxatives to control weight.”
Synonyms
Related words
- 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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