Synonyms

lubricate

American

[loo-bri-keyt] / ˈlu brɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

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

to lubricate one's hands with a lotion.
to smooth over, as a difficulty or human relationship; ease.

to lubricate the friction between enemies.
Slang. to provide with intoxicating drinks.
Slang. to bribe.

verb (used without object)

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

lubricate British

/ ˈluːbrɪˌkeɪt /

verb

(tr) to cover or treat with an oily or greasy substance so as to lessen friction
(tr) to make greasy, slippery, or smooth
(intr) to act as a lubricant

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of lubricate

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

Explanation

When you lubricate something, you make it a little bit greasy so it can easily move or slide. You might need to lubricate a rusted bolt in order to unscrew it, for example. Mechanics who work on cars need to lubricate engine parts all the time, to remove old ones and attach new ones. Oil is commonly used to lubricate metal surfaces so they don't stick against each other. All different kinds of machines and engines — from jumbo jets to sewing machines — need to be lubricated in order to work properly. The Latin root word is lubricatus, "to make slippery or smooth," from lubricus, or "slippery."

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Vocabulary lists containing lubricate

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Car engines need clean motor oil to lubricate parts, remove debris and prevent overheating.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Drilling fluid is a liquid used to cool and lubricate equipment during drilling.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

The movie, which Tom Gustafson directed and Cory Krueckeberg wrote, weaves together various Indigo Girls songs from various eras in order to lubricate communication.

From New York Times • Mar. 7, 2024

They lubricate the telescopes and operate them on public viewing nights.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2023

Girls were beginning to bob their hair and boys to lubricate theirs.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023