lacing
/ˈleɪsɪŋ/
VERB
1. Fastening something with laces or cords
The act of securing or tightening something by passing laces, strings, or cords through openings or around parts.
1.1. Tying shoes or clothing
Passing laces through eyelets or openings and tightening them to fasten footwear, garments, or other items.
Synonyms
- tying
- fastening
- threading
- stringing
Antonyms
- untying
- loosening
- unfastening
Examples
- She was lacing her boots before the hike.
- He finished lacing his shoes and headed outside.
Related Words
VERB
2. Adding a substance to food or drink
The act of mixing an additional substance, especially alcohol, a drug, or poison, into food or drink.
2.1. Adding alcohol or another ingredient
Mixing alcohol or another substance into a drink or food, often to alter its flavor, strength, or effects.
Synonyms
- spiking
- adulterating
- fortifying
- flavoring
Examples
- The bartender was lacing the punch with rum.
- The recipe suggested lacing the dessert with a little brandy.
Related Words
- mixture
- ingredient
- alcohol
- contamination
- concoction
2.2. Secretly adding a harmful substance
Putting a drug or poison into food or drink without the recipient's knowledge or consent.
Synonyms
- spiking
- poisoning
- drugging
- contaminating
Antonyms
- purifying
- decontaminating
Examples
- The investigation revealed that someone had been lacing the drinks with a sedative.
- He was accused of lacing the food with poison.
Related Words
- poison
- toxin
- drug
- tampering
- contamination
VERB
3. Interweaving or combining things
The act of intertwining, threading, or arranging elements together to form a connected or patterned structure.
3.1. Interweaving strands or materials
Joining or crossing strands, threads, cords, or other materials together in an interwoven arrangement.
Synonyms
- interweaving
- interlacing
- intertwining
- weaving
- braiding
- plaiting
Antonyms
- disentangling
- uncoiling
- unwinding
Examples
- The craftsperson was lacing the strips of leather together.
- She spent the afternoon lacing colorful threads into an intricate pattern.
Related Words
- strand
- thread
- braid
- plait
- mesh
- pattern
3.2. Connecting bicycle wheel spokes
Arranging and crossing the spokes of a bicycle wheel so that they connect the hub to the rim in a particular pattern.
Synonyms
- weaving
- interlacing
- crossing
- threading
Examples
- The mechanic was lacing the spokes before installing the wheel.
- Properly lacing the wheel helps distribute tension across the spokes.
Related Words
- spoke
- hub
- rim
- wheel
- wheelbuilding
VERB
4. Beating or striking someone
The act of hitting someone repeatedly or striking them with force, often as punishment.
4.1. Delivering a physical beating
Striking or beating a person repeatedly, sometimes with a stick, whip, or similar object.
Synonyms
Examples
- The soldiers were accused of lacing the prisoner with blows.
- The gang was lacing their victim before the police arrived.
Related Words
- assault
- blow
- punishment
- whip
- strike
VERB
5. Decorating or embellishing with strips or braids
The act of adorning an object or surface with narrow strips, braids, or decorative material.
5.1. Adding decorative trim
Applying narrow bands, braided material, or ornamental strips to decorate clothing, objects, or surfaces.
Synonyms
- trimming
- braiding
- ornamenting
- embellishing
- edging
Examples
- The designer was lacing the costume with gold braid.
- The pastry chef finished lacing the cake with delicate decorative strips.
Related Words
- trim
- braid
- border
- ornament
- decoration
NOUN
6. A beating or punishment
A physical beating given as punishment or an act of violence.
6.1. Physical punishment
A severe beating or series of blows inflicted on a person.
Synonyms
Examples
- The prisoner received a lacing for refusing to obey orders.
- He was left bruised after the lacing.
Related Words
- punishment
- assault
- blow
- violence
- whipping