purgative
/ˈpɜrɡətɪv/
noun
- A substance, especially a medicine, that causes the bowels to empty.
- The doctor prescribed a mild purgative to relieve the patient's constipation.
- She took a herbal purgative to cleanse her digestive system.
- In traditional medicine, castor oil was often used as a strong purgative.
Synonyms
adjective
- Having the effect of causing the bowels to empty; strongly laxative.
- Some purgative herbs can cause dehydration if taken in large amounts.
- The tea had a purgative effect, so he drank only a small cup.
- The plant has purgative properties and should be used with caution.
- Serving to cleanse or purify, especially in a spiritual or emotional sense.
- The ritual was meant to have a purgative effect on the community's collective guilt.
- Writing in a journal can be a purgative experience, helping to release negative emotions.
- For many, a long walk in nature feels purgative, clearing the mind of stress.
Synonyms