purgative
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpɜːrɡətɪv/
KK: /ˈpɜrɡətɪv/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that helps to clean out the body, especially by causing a bowel movement.
Example
The doctor recommended a purgative to help with the patient's digestive issues.
Conversation
I tried that new detox tea yesterday, and it was surprisingly purgative.
Really? I didn't think it would be that strong.
Yeah, it definitely made a difference in how I felt afterward.
I might have to give it a shot, then!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cleansing
purifying
detoxifying
Antonyms
toxic
harmful
impure
noun
Definition
A type of medicine that causes the body to empty its bowels, often used to relieve constipation.
Example
The doctor prescribed a purgative to help with her digestive issues.
Conversation
I heard that you were feeling unwell lately.
Yeah, I was having some stomach issues.
Did you try taking a purgative?
Root Explanation
Purgative → It is formed from "purgare" (meaning to cleanse or purify) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "purgative" refers to something that has the nature of cleansing or purging, often used in a medical context to describe substances that induce evacuation of the bowels.
Memory Tip
Think of 'cleansing' ('purgare') when you remember that a purgative is something that helps to cleanse or purge the body.
Visually Confused Words
expurgative
plurative
nonpurgative
depurative
spurtive
rogative
putative
jurative