1. having the effect of causing the bowels to empty
Usage: medical
2. serving to cleanse or purify
Usage: formal

1. a medicine or substance that causes the bowels to empty
Usage: medical

Examples

• The doctor prescribed a purgative medicine to treat the patient’s constipation.
• Some herbs have purgative properties and should be used carefully.
• The old remedy was known for its purgative effects.
• He took a mild purgative before the medical procedure.
• The purgative treatment helped clear his digestive system.
• Traditional medicine often used purgative herbs for cleansing.
• The purgative ritual was believed to cleanse the soul.