1. A cleansing agent consumed by an individual which causes an evacuation of the bowels: Dr. Smythe prescribed a purgative for Jennifer in anticipation of her scheduled colonoscopy.
2. An experience or activity which helps someone to overcome the effects of negative emotional trauma: While Myrna was in a residential treatment program, she found that the purgative of creating drawings was a good method to illustrate the things that had happened to her in the past.

Descriptive of the strength or immediate effect of a laxative: Hector was experiencing extreme constipation so his doctor prescribed a more purgative medication than she usually does.