locked bowels: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (Low-Frequency, Technical/Medical)Technical/Medical, Informal (when used figuratively)
Quick answer
What does “locked bowels” mean?
A medical condition characterised by an inability to pass stool.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical condition characterised by an inability to pass stool; severe constipation.
A state of complete intestinal obstruction or a profound, often painful, inability to defecate. Can be used figuratively to describe a state of extreme blockage, stagnation, or inaction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term itself is equally rare in both varieties. In medical contexts, UK professionals might use 'constipation' or 'obstipation' more frequently. Figurative use is colloquial in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries strong, unpleasant, medical connotations. The figurative use is slightly more likely in informal British English for comedic or emphatic effect.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Higher relative frequency only in specific medical or nursing contexts describing severe symptoms.
Grammar
How to Use “locked bowels” in a Sentence
Patient + have/suffer from + locked bowelsCondition/Medication + cause + locked bowelslocked bowels + as a result of + causeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “locked bowels” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The medication can lock your bowels if you're not careful.
American English
- That painkiller locked my bowels up for days.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in standard business contexts. Potentially in hyperbolic, informal analogies about stalled processes: 'The approval pipeline has locked bowels.'
Academic
Rare, only in medical, nursing, or physiological papers discussing gastrointestinal pathologies.
Everyday
Very rare in polite conversation. May be used informally and humorously to describe severe personal constipation.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in clinical notes, nursing assessments, and patient descriptions of symptoms in healthcare settings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locked bowels”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locked bowels”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locked bowels”
- Using it as a polite or common term for mild constipation (it denotes severity).
- Misspelling as 'locked bowls' (homophone error).
- Using it in formal writing where 'severe constipation' or 'obstipation' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a graphic, clinical, or informally humorous term. In most polite or general contexts, 'severe constipation' or 'bowel problems' is more appropriate.
'Locked bowels' implies a more severe, complete, or painful form of constipation, often suggesting a total inability to pass stool, whereas 'constipation' can refer to milder or temporary difficulty.
Yes, but it is very informal and hyperbolic. It is used to describe any system or process that has come to a complete and stubborn halt (e.g., 'The company's innovation pipeline has locked bowels').
Any sudden, severe, or persistent inability to pass stool, especially if accompanied by pain, vomiting, or bloating, requires immediate medical attention as it can indicate a serious obstruction.
A medical condition characterised by an inability to pass stool.
Locked bowels is usually technical/medical, informal (when used figuratively) in register.
Locked bowels: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒkt ˈbaʊ.əlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɑːkt ˈbaʊ.əlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Figurative] The bureaucratic process has locked bowels – nothing is moving.”
- “[Figurative] After the shock, my creativity had locked bowels for weeks.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a door LOCKED shut. Your BOWELS are like that door – nothing can get out.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE / A PIPELINE. A malfunction (locking) stops the normal flow of material.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'locked bowels' MOST appropriately used?