defecate

[def-i-keyt]

verb (used without object)

defecated, defecating 

1. to void excrement from the bowels through the anus; have a bowel movement.

2. to become clear of dregs, impurities, etc.

verb (used with object)

defecated, defecating 

1. to clear of dregs, impurities, etc.; purify; refine.

defecate

/ ˈdɛfɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to discharge waste from the body through the anus

2. (tr) to clarify or remove impurities from (a solution, esp of sugar)

Other Word Forms

• defecator noun
• defecation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of defecate¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin dēfaecātus (past participle of dēfaecāre “to cleanse, refine”), equivalent to dē- de- + faec- (stem of faex “dregs, sediment”) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of defecate¹

C16: from Latin dēfaecāre to cleanse from dregs, from _de- + faex sediment, dregs

Example Sentences

Jeju police issued the guide following complaints from locals over foreigners' misbehaviour, including littering and letting children defecate on the street.

From BBC

Colmenares recalled seeing one man defecate all over himself after a particularly severe beating.

From Salon

Meanwhile, the Democrats were attacking Musk’s alleged drug use, and in effect defecating on the one person who apparently doesn’t always kiss Trump’s . . . ahem, ring.

From Salon

Nearby, at Rage Ground, where people pay to vent their anger by breaking dishes and smashing cars, at least one homeless man has defecated and urinated outside the business.

From Los Angeles Times

There are some surprisingly human-like hygiene habits: One note describes a chimpanzee using leaves to wipe itself after defecating.

From BBC

Related Words

• discharge 
• secrete