lubricate

[ loo-bri-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, lu·bri·cat·ed, lu·bri·cat·ing.

1. to apply some oily or greasy substance to (a machine, parts of a mechanism, etc.) in order to diminish friction; oil or grease (something).
2. to make slippery or smooth; apply a lubricant to:

   to lubricate one's hands with a lotion.

3. to smooth over, as a difficulty or human relationship; ease:

   to lubricate the friction between enemies.

4. Slang. to provide with intoxicating drinks.
5. Slang. to bribe.

verb (used without object)

, lu·bri·cat·ed, lu·bri·cat·ing.

1. to act as a lubricant.
2. to apply a lubricant to something.
3. Slang. to drink or become drunk.

lubricate

/ ˈluːbrɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. tr to cover or treat with an oily or greasy substance so as to lessen friction
2. tr to make greasy, slippery, or smooth
3. intr to act as a lubricant

Derived Forms

• ˌlubriˈcation, noun
• ˌlubriˈcational, adjective
• ˈlubriˌcative, adjective

Other Words From

• lubri·cation noun
• lubri·cation·al adjective
• lubri·cative adjective
• lu·bri·ca·to·ry [loo, -bri-k, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• non·lubri·cating adjective
• over·lubri·cate verb (used with object) overlubricated overlubricating
• over·lubri·cation noun
• re·lubri·cate verb (used with object) relubricated relubricating
• relu·bri·cation noun
• self-lubri·cated adjective
• self-lubri·cating adjective
• self-lubri·cation noun
• un·lubri·cated adjective
• un·lubri·cating adjective
• un·lubri·cative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lubricate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre “to make slippery.” See lubric, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lubricate¹

C17: from Latin lūbricāre, from lūbricus slippery

Example Sentences

Rub this cream inside your chamois or bike shorts to help keep things lubricated, which prevents chafing and hot spots.

From Outside Online

There could also be fluids that lubricate the fault, decreasing friction and making it easier for the plates to slip past each other.

From Science News For Students

First and foremost, it’s important to keep your belt lubricated to keep it functioning at optimal use and stave off repairs.

From Popular-Science

Enthusiasts often build their own boards and nerd out over things like lubricating the switches for a perfectly silky feel.

From Popular-Science

Even a well lubricated chain-drive model will be louder than a belt-drive or wall-mounted garage door opener.

From Popular-Science

Beauty, fame, It Girl status, and old money (never new) all lubricate the entry process.

From The Daily Beast

This oil was used to lubricate the anemometer and other instruments exposed outside.

From Project Gutenberg

Lubricate the embossed cams in the cam housing with a thin film of vaseline every fifty hours of actual running.

From Project Gutenberg

Lubricate the stopper and insert it in the mouth of the jar, with the handle in a line with the two side tubes.

From Project Gutenberg

When the pressure on the pin or any bearing is over 800 pounds per square inch, oil is no longer able to lubricate it properly.

From Project Gutenberg

The next operation after moulding the bullets is to lubricate them.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• grease