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.
This slippery coating is essential for keeping the colon lubricated and stool soft.
From Science Daily
Market exuberance over artificial intelligence, lubricated by ample financial liquidity, keeps propelling the stock market to new heights.
The process is being lubricated by the biggest jump in European military spending since the Cold War.
Drilling fluid is a liquid used to cool and lubricate equipment during drilling.
From Barron's
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
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.
