lubricate

American  

[loo-bri-keyt] / ˈlu brɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

lubricated, lubricating

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.

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verb (used without object)

lubricated, lubricating

1. to act as a lubricant.

2. to apply a lubricant to something.

3. Slang. to drink or become drunk.

lubricate British  

/ 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

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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

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."

Example Sentences

Lubricate your eyes: Part of the reason your eyes might ache is that you blink far less when glued to a screen, said Dr. Craig See, an ophthalmologist at Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2023

Lubricate, lū′bri-kāt, v.t. to make smooth or slippery: to supply with oil to overcome friction.—adjs.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Lubricate the lead sealing nuts with graphite that has been mixed to a paste with water.

From The Automobile Storage Battery Its Care And Repair by Witte, Otto A.

Lubricate your chain every time you go out for a spin.

From Harper's Round Table, October 1, 1895 by Various

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

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred

Related Words

• grease