defecate

USAGE SUMMARY

'defecate' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a formal and polite term for the act of passing solid waste from the body. It can be used in any situation where this specific bodily function is being discussed or described, such as in medical or scientific contexts, or in polite conversation. Example: The doctor instructed the patient to defecate into a specimen cup for further testing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Almost half of the captured bats defecate seeds during their brief incarceration, with defecation rates ranging from just a few seeds to as many as a hundred.

The Economist

The toilet blocks are administered by the community, but families pay a charge for using them – and such is the poverty that some still cannot afford it and defecate in the open.

The Guardian

"Kim Jong-un's people believe everything he tells them, including that he can speak to dolphins, or that he doesn't urinate or defecate," CIA agent Lizzy Caplin tells TV producer Rogen and show host James Franco in a trailer for the film.

The Guardian - Film

Most must use public toilets or defecate in the open.

The Guardian

Needless to say, he couldn't defecate for more than a week.

The Guardian

Three detainees interviewed by the ICRC said they were forced to urinate and defecate on themselves in these positions, and were left standing in their own excrement.

The Guardian

Call in the Bat Conservation Trust.Clayton actually contains only two roosting bats, but they are an unusually gregarious couple, inviting over scores of friends to fly among the rafters, and defecate with abandon.

The Economist

Half of all Indians have no choice but to defecate in the open.

The Economist

Sanitation and public hygiene are awful, especially in the north: half of all Indians still defecate in the open, resulting in many deaths from diarrhoea and encephalitis.

The Economist

Each of these statements is linked to water.Surprisingly, some of those who have to defecate in the open do not mind.

The Economist

Two-fifths of the world's population has nowhere to defecate except open ground.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defecate" when a formal or clinical tone is required. In less formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "have a bowel movement" or other euphemisms.

Common error

Avoid using "defecate" in casual conversation or informal writing unless aiming for a humorous or ironic effect. It can sound overly clinical or pretentious in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "defecate" is as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of expelling feces from the body. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered a formal term suitable for medical or scientific contexts. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in discussing sanitation, health, and animal behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defecate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term meaning to expel feces from the body. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's best suited for formal, medical, or scientific contexts, and should be used with caution in casual conversation. Its primary function is descriptive, often related to discussions of health, sanitation, or animal behavior. Ludwig examples show that it appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While there are many alternative expressions, such as "have a bowel movement", "pass feces", or "relieve oneself", the choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a bowel movement

Offers a more common and slightly less clinical way of describing the act of defecation.

empty bowels

Specifies the area from which waste is expelled, making it more anatomically specific.

pass feces

Emphasizes the substance being expelled, using a medical or scientific term.

discharge excrement

Focuses on the act of expelling waste matter, utilizing a more formal and clinical tone.

void excrement

Similar to 'discharge excrement', focusing on the action with a formal tone.

excrete solid waste

Specifies that the waste is solid, making it clearer and more descriptive.

eliminate waste

This alternative uses more general terms, broadening the context from solely solid waste to include other forms of bodily excretion.

relieve oneself

A euphemistic expression for performing the act of defecation, typically used in polite conversation.

stool

This is a noun acting as verb through conversion, changing the expression but retaining a very similar meaning to "defecate".

go to the toilet

Refers to the action of using the toilet for defecation, less direct and common.

FAQs

What does "defecate" mean?

"Defecate" means to expel feces or solid waste from the body through the anus. It's a formal term for having a bowel movement.

What can I say instead of "defecate"?

You can use alternatives like "have a bowel movement", "pass feces", or "relieve oneself" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "defecate" a formal word?

Yes, "defecate" is considered a formal and clinical term. It's appropriate for medical, scientific, or technical writing, but may sound out of place in casual conversation.

How do you use "defecate" in a sentence?

Example: "The doctor instructed the patient to "defecate" into a specimen cup for further testing." Another example: "Many people in the world are obliged to "defecate" in the open".