constipated

Everyday

Constipated means unable to empty your bowels easily; your poo is hard, dry or does not come for days. tree →

In the lessons

In health lessons constipation is linked to food and drink: eating fruit, vegetables and fibre, drinking water and moving about help. In everyday life a child may tell a parent or doctor they feel constipated and have a sore tummy. Phrases: feel constipated, get constipated.

Examples

• I felt constipated, so Mum gave me more fruit and water. tree →
• Eating fibre helps you not to get constipated. tree →
• The doctor asked if the baby was constipated. tree →
• Drinking enough water can stop you from being constipated. tree →
• Our old dog gets constipated if he doesn't walk enough. tree →
• Being constipated can give you a tummy ache. tree →

Note

Adjective; the noun is «constipation». It is a polite, medical word for this problem. False friend: in Spanish «constipado» means having a cold, but English «constipated» is only about bowels. Tell an adult if it lasts a long time or hurts a lot.