constipate
UK[ˈkɒnstɪpeɪt]US[ˈkɑːnstɪpeɪt]
v
To cause constipation in; to block or clog up.
v
(archaic) To crowd or pack closely together.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
stip
ate
con
together
stip
press, pack
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
the word "constipate" originates from the latin verb constipare, meaning "to press or crowd together". this is a compound of the intensive prefix con- (together) and the verb stipare (to press, pack). the latin root stipare is thought to derive from a proto-indo-european base meaning "to be stiff, compressed". the medical sense of "to cause severe intestinal blockage" developed in late latin (constipatus) from the core idea of matter being densely packed together. thus, the modern meaning evolved from a literal physical compression to a specific physiological condition.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + stip (press, pack) + ate (verb suffix)
- con: from latin, a prefix meaning "together, with".
- stip: from latin stipare, meaning "to press, pack, cram".
- ate: a suffix forming verbs, from latin -atus.
Examples
certain medications can constipate patients.
the ancient remedy was said to constipate the bowels.
(archaic) the people were constipated in the narrow streets.