Laxative vs. Purgative

Laxativeadjective

Having the effect of moving the bowels, or aiding digestion and preventing constipation.

Laxativenoun

Any substance, such as a food or in the form of a medicine which has a laxative effect.

Laxativeadjective

Having a tendency to loosen or relax.

Laxativeadjective

Having the effect of loosening or opening the intestines, and relieving from constipation; - opposed to astringent.

Laxativenoun

a mild cathartic

Laxativeadjective

stimulating evacuation of feces

Laxative

Laxatives, purgatives, or aperients are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation.

Purgativeadjective

(capable of) purging

Purgativenoun

something, such as a substance or medicine, that purges; laxative

Purgativeadjective

Having the power or quality of purging; cathartic.

Purgativenoun

a purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels

Purgativeadjective

strongly laxative