'constipate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'constipare', where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'stipare' meant 'to press or pack'.

'constipare' transformed into the French word 'constiper', and eventually became the modern English word 'constipate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to press or pack together', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing difficulty in bowel movements'.