lubricate

[ loo-bri-keyt ]

/ ˈlu brɪˌkeɪt /

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See synonyms for: lubricate / lubrication / lubricative on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), lu·bri·cat·ed, lu·bri·cat·ing.

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), lu·bri·cat·ed, lu·bri·cat·ing.

to act as a lubricant.

to apply a lubricant to something.

Slang. to drink or become drunk.

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Origin of lubricate

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre “to make slippery.” See lubric, -ate¹

OTHER WORDS FROM lubricate

lu·bri·ca·tion, nounlu·bri·ca·tion·al, adjectivelu·bri·ca·tive, adjectivelu·bri·ca·to·ry

[loo-bri-kuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], /ˈlu brɪ kəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjective

non·lu·bri·cat·ing, adjectiveo·ver·lu·bri·cate, verb (used with object), o·ver·lu·bri·cat·ed, o·ver·lu·bri·cat·ing.o·ver·lu·bri·ca·tion, nounre·lu·bri·cate, verb (used with object), re·lu·bri·cat·ed, re·lu·bri·cat·ing.re·lu·bri·ca·tion, nounself-lu·bri·cat·ed, adjectiveself-lu·bri·cat·ing, adjectiveself-lu·bri·ca·tion, nounun·lu·bri·cat·ed, adjectiveun·lu·bri·cat·ing, adjectiveun·lu·bri·ca·tive, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use lubricate in a sentence

The downside of this conception was that he often rejected the oily give-and-take that lubricates a system of opposite and rival interests.
The case for Jimmy Carter as a ‘consequential’ president|Russell L. Riley|December 4, 2020|Washington Post
The bright lights, big-name speakers and photo booths were there to lubricate deals for companies, not delight customers.
B2B events were broken before the pandemic, their online reinvention is creating positive change|Hubspot|September 20, 2020|Digiday
He then shoves it up his ass, which is usually pre-lubricated, since we were all strip-searched on the way out.
This Anti-Heroin Drug Is Now King of the Jailhouse Drug Trade|Daniel Genis|July 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I remember the lubricated side against me, not against her, sliding back and forth.
How 10 Porn Stars Lost Their Virginity|Aurora Snow|May 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Inside the reception proper, the ballroom crowd was thinner if equally well lubricated.
Partying With the Senate Democrats: The Party’s Newest Stars|Michelle Cottle|November 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST
That was the entirety of his praise for the man he previously called a “perfectly lubricated weathervane.”
Jon Huntsman’s Irrelevant Exit From the Republican Race|Michelle Goldberg|January 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He was aware of the muscles pulling and relaxing as the kelit ran, and the long bones sliding in their lubricated joints.
Insidekick|Jesse Franklin Bone
This should be oiled occasionally in its whole length, so that each joint is properly lubricated.
The Sportswoman's Library, v. 2|Various
The breaker lever should be lubricated every 1,000 miles with a drop of light oil, applied with a tooth-pick.
Aviation Engines|Victor Wilfred Pag
The cylinder walls and wrist pins are lubricated by oil spray thrown from the lower end of connecting rod bearings.
Aviation Engines|Victor Wilfred Pag
The parts of the motor that are lubricated by an independent feed line in this manner may vary with different motors.
The Gasoline Motor|Harold Whiting Slauson

British Dictionary definitions for lubricate

lubricate

/ (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

Derived forms of lubricate

lubrication, nounlubricational, adjectivelubricative, adjective

Word Origin for lubricate

C17: from Latin lūbricāre, from lūbricus slippery

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

lubricate

Origin of lubricate

OTHER WORDS FROM lubricate

Words related to lubricate

How to use lubricate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for lubricate

Derived forms of lubricate

Word Origin for lubricate