verb

lubricate

LOO-brih-kayt

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Lubricate (verb) means to make something slippery or smooth, usually by applying oil or grease, so that it moves with less friction. Example: “Mechanics lubricate the chain before every race.”

verb

To make something slippery or smooth, usually by applying oil or grease, so that it moves with less friction.

"Mechanics lubricate the chain before every race."

"Remember to lubricate the hinges so the door stops squeaking."

"The factory lubricates its machinery on a strict weekly schedule."

humorous To make someone drunk, especially so that they become more talkative or sociable.

"A couple of glasses of wine lubricated the guests before the speeches."

"He tried to lubricate the negotiations with a bottle of good whisky."

"The host kept the drinks flowing to lubricate the party."

How to use lubricate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make something slide more easily, usually with oil or grease.

When to use it

The drunkenness sense is informal and humorous, while the main sense is neutral and technical.

Memory tip

Picture oil going into an engine; that is the everyday meaning of lubricate.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

lubricious →

Common pairings

lubricate the engine lubricate a hinge lubricate the chain

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “lubricate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Mechanics _____ the chain before every race.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin, where the verb meant to make slippery, itself formed from an adjective meaning slippery. That Latin word is thought to trace back to a much older root meaning to slip or slide.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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lube

Related words

lube lubricator lubricant

Rhymes for lubricate

ate date rate mate abate slate plate state create update locate relate

See all rhymes for lubricate →

Frequently asked questions

What does "lubricate" mean?

It means to make something slippery or smooth, usually with oil or grease, so it moves with less friction.

Can "lubricate" mean to get someone drunk?

Yes, informally and humorously it can mean to make someone drunk, often to loosen them up socially.

What's a common synonym for "lubricate"?

Lube is a common informal synonym for the main sense of the word.

What is the meaning of lubricate?

"lubricate" (verb) means to make something slippery or smooth, usually by applying oil or grease, so that it moves with less friction.

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