lubricate

/ˈluːbrɪkeɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈluːbrɪkeɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt/ (ame, mw)

lubricate — verb

  • lubricatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • lubricateshe / she / it
  • lubricatedpast simple
  • lubricating-ing form

1. to put a greasy substance such as oil onto the moving parts of an engine, lock,

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to put a greasy substance such as oil onto the moving parts of an engine, lock, or other device so that they slide against each other easily and without making noise

例句

Theo lubricated the bicycle chain with a few drops of oil before the race.

lubricate + object + with + substance

Aisha watched the mechanic lubricate the rusty gate hinges with thick grease.

同義詞
  • oil

    more specific — means to apply liquid oil rather than any greasy substance

  • grease

    more specific — refers to applying thick, semi-solid lubricant

  • lube

    informal shortening of 'lubricate'; common in mechanical contexts

文法句型

lubricate + object + with + substance

用法筆記

The object is usually a mechanical device or its parts (engine, chain, lock, hinge, bearing). The substance used is introduced with 'with' (lubricate something with oil).

常見錯誤

❌I lubricated the engine with water.
✅I lubricated the engine with oil.
💡Water does not reduce friction between metal surfaces; only greasy substances work as lubricants.

2. if a greasy substance such as oil or grease creates a slippery layer on a machin

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

if a greasy substance such as oil or grease creates a slippery layer on a machine's parts, allowing them to slide against each other without sticking or making noise

例句

Engine oil lubricates the pistons and helps prevent damage from heat and friction.

substance as subject + lubricates + object

This special grease lubricates the bearings inside the washing machine drum.

同義詞
  • oil

    used similarly when the substance is specifically liquid oil

  • grease

    used when the substance is a thick, pasty lubricant

文法句型

substance + lubricates + object

substance + lubricates well (intransitive)

用法筆記

The subject is the lubricating substance itself (oil, grease, wax, saliva). When used intransitively, it is often followed by an adverb like 'well' or 'effectively.'

常見錯誤

❌The car lubricates the engine.
✅The oil lubricates the engine.
💡The car does not lubricate anything; the oil inside the engine is what lubricates the parts.

3. to make a complicated process, deal, or official procedure happen with fewer pro

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make a complicated process, deal, or official procedure happen with fewer problems or delays, often by offering money, gifts, or other benefits

例句

Dmitri lubricated the contract negotiations by offering flexible payment terms.

figurative use: lubricate negotiations

Fatima used her business connections to lubricate the trade agreement approval.

同義詞
  • facilitate

    more neutral in tone — does not carry the possible implication of bribery

  • smooth

    more informal — 'smooth the way' is a common phrasal alternative

  • oil

    used in the idiom 'oil the wheels' meaning to make a process run smoothly

反義詞
  • hinder

    to create obstacles instead of removing them

  • obstruct

    to deliberately block a process

文法句型

lubricate + noun (process/deal/negotiation)

用法筆記

Often used in business and political contexts where money or favours ease a process. The implication of bribery may be present but is not always explicit. Distinguish from sense 1, which always refers to physical lubrication of equipment.

常見錯誤

❌The manager lubricated the problem by ignoring it.
✅The manager lubricated the deal by offering better terms.
💡'lubricate' in this sense means to make something run more smoothly, not to ignore or cover up a problem.

4. if an alcoholic drink makes someone feel more relaxed, talkative, and friendly t

4.動詞及物C1
釋義

if an alcoholic drink makes someone feel more relaxed, talkative, and friendly towards other people in a social situation

例句

A glass of red wine lubricated the conversation at the family dinner table.

alcohol as subject: [drink] lubricated conversation

Oluwaseun felt the cold beer lubricate his shyness at the office party.

同義詞
  • loosen up

    more general — can refer to alcohol but also to other ways of relaxing

文法句型

alcohol + lubricates + person/conversation/atmosphere

用法筆記

Subject is always an alcoholic beverage or the alcohol it contains. The object is a person, a social interaction (conversation), or a personal trait (shyness). Never used medically or for non-alcoholic drinks.