English

Verb

move one's bowels

1. To defecate.
   • 1958, Marion E. Faegre et al., Child Care and Training, 8th ed. Minnesota Press Archival Editions, ISBN 9780816601578, p. 99 (Google preview):

     Too great emphasis on privacy in connection with the eliminative functions may, in some instances, result in a child's inability to urinate or move his bowels in an unfamiliar setting.

   • 1980 Oct. 5, Tony Kornheiser, "Ali Not Oblivious To the Obvious," Washington Post (retrieved 26 July 2015):

     Three days before the fight he was eating fruit. . . . "Keeps my system regular," he said. ". . . Keeps you from getting old, moving your bowels regular."

   • 2013 Nov. 27, Joyce Wadler, "Bad Thanksgiving," New York Times (retrieved 26 July 2015):

     In the middle of the night the woman moved her bowels. The sharp stink of it pervaded the room.

Usage notes

• A nonvulgar, relatively inoffensive term for performing this bodily function, acceptable for general use.

Synonyms

• See wikisaurus:defecate

Related terms

• bowel movement