lubricate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to apply some oily or greasy substance to (a machine, parts of a mechanism, etc.) in order to diminish friction; oil or grease (something).
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to make slippery or smooth; apply a lubricant to.
to lubricate one's hands with a lotion.
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to smooth over, as a difficulty or human relationship; ease.
to lubricate the friction between enemies.
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Slang. to provide with intoxicating drinks.
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Slang. to bribe.
verb (used without object)
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to act as a lubricant.
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to apply a lubricant to something.
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Slang. to drink or become drunk.
verb
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(tr) to cover or treat with an oily or greasy substance so as to lessen friction
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(tr) to make greasy, slippery, or smooth
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(intr) to act as a lubricant
Other Word Forms
- lubrication noun
- lubricational adjective
- lubricative adjective
- lubricatory adjective
- nonlubricating adjective
- overlubricate verb (used with object)
- overlubrication noun
- relubricate verb (used with object)
- relubrication noun
- self-lubricated adjective
- self-lubricating adjective
- self-lubrication noun
- unlubricated adjective
- unlubricating adjective
- unlubricative adjective
Etymology
Origin of lubricate
First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre “to make slippery.” See lubric, -ate 1
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.
One key defense against this process: a network of de-watering wells, which pump out the water that lubricates the soil’s clay layers.
From Los Angeles Times
Beowulf helpfully lubricated the hinges with a bit of drool; after a “heave, ho!” from Simon and a final twist to the knob, the door creaked open.
From Literature
Usually Morot is working the mechanisms in the eyes and lubricating them — he can speak excitedly at length about “eyeball pivot” — while Tse is manipulating arms and doing a fair amount of hand-acting.
From Los Angeles Times
With the lubricated ground shifting, at times, nine to 12 inches a week, utility companies shut off electricity, gas and internet for hundreds of homes.
From Los Angeles Times
“They only constrict your blood vessels to decrease the appearance of redness, but they won’t actually lubricate your eyes.”
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
