lubricate

[ loo-bri-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, lu·bri·cat·ed, lu·bri·cat·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, lu·bri·cat·ed, lu·bri·cat·ing.

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

lubricate

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌlubriˈcational, adjective
• ˌlubriˈcation, noun
• ˈlubriˌcative, adjective

Other Words From

• lubri·cation noun
• lubri·cation·al adjective
• lubri·cative adjective
• lu·bri·ca·to·ry [loo, -bri-k, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• non·lubri·cating adjective
• over·lubri·cate verb (used with object) overlubricated overlubricating
• over·lubri·cation noun
• re·lubri·cate verb (used with object) relubricated relubricating
• relu·bri·cation noun
• self-lubri·cated adjective
• self-lubri·cating adjective
• self-lubri·cation noun
• un·lubri·cated adjective
• un·lubri·cating adjective
• un·lubri·cative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lubricate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lubricate¹

C17: from Latin lūbricāre, from lūbricus slippery

Example Sentences

It’s necessary for lubricating joints, regulating body temperature and removing toxins from the body.

From Los Angeles Times

Each year, roughly 2.47 billion gallons of lubricating oil are consumed in the United States alone for engines and industrial machinery, according to DOE, with about half eventually finding its way into the environment.

From Science Daily

The lubricating proteins were abundant in the fish’s jaws and in the fins of zebra fish, gar, and sticklebacks, the scientists reported.

From Science Magazine

It doesn’t help he said that the “rain will make the ground heavier and lubricated” on steep slopes.

From Los Angeles Times

These days, of course, pesky things like WhatsApp rather lubricate the friction of distance of folk being in different places.

From BBC

Related Words

• grease