anti-laxative
|an-ti-lax-a-tive|
/ˌæn.tiˈlæk.sə.tɪv/
against loosening (bowel action)
Etymology
'anti-laxative' originates from combining the prefix 'anti-' and the word 'laxative'. 'anti-' comes from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against' (via Latin and Modern English usage), and 'laxative' derives from Latin 'laxare' meaning 'to loosen' (through Late Latin 'laxativus' and Old French/Medieval Latin influences).
'anti-' (Greek 'anti') was attached in Modern English to various bases to form compounds meaning 'against X'; 'laxative' evolved from Latin 'laxare' → Late Latin 'laxativus' → Middle English/Modern English 'laxative'; the compound 'anti-laxative' formed in Modern English by productive use of 'anti-' + 'laxative'.
Initially the components meant 'against' and 'to loosen' respectively; combined, the compound came to denote something 'against loosening (of the bowels)' or 'opposing laxative effects', a usage that developed through descriptive/medical formation rather than a long historical semantic shift.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an agent or substance that counteracts the action of a laxative or prevents/promotes resistance to bowel evacuation (i.e., causes or promotes constipation relative to a laxative).
The physician noted that the supplement acted as an anti-laxative and reduced the prescribed laxative's effect.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
having the property of opposing or reducing the effect of a laxative; causing or tending to cause constipation relative to laxatives.
He was advised not to take any anti-laxative medications while undergoing treatment with the laxative.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/30 22:24