so much clutter … will tend to constipate the novel's working orderThe Times Literary Supplement (London)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebNowinski’s experience provides a glimpse into how the shortage is constipating companies behind the scenes. Jen Wieczner, Fortune, 18 May 2020 Officially, encopresis is a physical and psychological state in which a child who is often constipated begins to associate pooping with pain. Lizzie Skurnick, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 If your child is frequently constipated while potty training, consult with your pediatrician. Dina Dimaggio, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2020 Having been intermittently constipated for most of my life, even that seemed ambitious. Julie Schott, The Cut, 19 Mar. 2018 Obviously men can be constipated too, but women are much more likely to be constipated than men. Mary Allen, Allure, 6 Sep. 2017
Word History
Etymology
Medieval Latin constipatus, past participle of constipare, from Latin, to crowd together, from com- + stipare to pack tight — more at stiff