constipated
UK[ˈkɒnstɪpeɪtɪd]US[ˈkɑːnstɪpeɪtɪd]
adj
(of a person) unable to empty the bowels easily and comfortably
adj
(formal) slow-moving or blocked, as if by obstruction
Morpheme Breakdown
con
stip
ated
con
together
stip
to press, cram
ated
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'constipated' originates from the Latin verb constipare, meaning "to press or crowd together". This verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix con- ("together") and stipare ("to press, pack"). The core imagery is of matter being densely packed and compressed. In medical Latin, constipatus described the bodily condition of being "crowded" or "blocked up". This literal sense of physical compaction and obstruction evolved directly into the modern English medical and general meaning, describing a state where bowel movements are infrequent or difficult due to hardened, impacted waste.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + stip (to press, cram) + ated (adjective suffix)
- con: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together, with".
- stip: From Latin stipare, meaning "to press, cram, pack tight".
- ated: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -atus (past participle ending).
Examples
The patient felt bloated and constipated after the long flight.
Eating more fiber can help if you are often constipated.
The bureaucratic process was so constipated that no decisions were made for months.