defecate

verb

def·​e·​cate ˈde-fi-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio)
defecated; defecating

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels

transitive verb

1
: to discharge from the anus
2
: to free from impurity or corruption

Examples of defecate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Seine turned into a protest site in June when activists threatened to defecate the river for the same reason, reflecting how the river is a crucial but sensitive part of the Olympics. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 6 July 2024 The tear can cause pain and bleeding when defecating (pooping). —Brittany Dube, Health, 30 June 2024 The First Amendment gives us the right to dissent, not to desecrate (or defecate in) our noble dome of democracy. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2024 Parisians threatened to defecate in the Seine River on Sunday to protest sewage contamination after reports found unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria in the water less than two months before Olympic swimming competitions are scheduled to start there. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for defecate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defecate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin defaecatus, past participle of defaecare, from de- + faec-, faex dregs, lees

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of defecate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near defecate

defeature

defecate

defecation

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Defecate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defecate. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

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Kids Definition

defecate

verb
def·​e·​cate ˈdef-i-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio)
defecated; defecating
: to expel feces from the bowels
defecation
ˌdef-i-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce defecate (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

defecate

verb
def·​e·​cate
variants or chiefly British defaecate
ˈdef-i-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio)
defecated; defecating

transitive verb

: to discharge from the anus

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels

More from Merriam-Webster on defecate

Nglish: Translation of defecate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of defecate for Arabic Speakers

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