lather
/ˈlæðər/
NOUN
1. Foam produced by soap and water
A mass of small bubbles formed when soap or another cleansing substance is mixed with water and agitated.
1.1. Soap foam and cleansing suds
A foamy substance produced by rubbing or mixing soap, shampoo, or shaving cream with water.
Synonyms
- foam
- froth
- suds
- soapsuds
- mousse
Examples
- She worked up a thick lather with the soap before rinsing her hands.
- The barber applied a warm lather to his face before shaving.
Related Words
- soap
- shampoo
- detergent
- bubbles
- cleansing
- shaving cream
NOUN
2. Foam caused by excessive sweating
A covering of white foam or froth produced by profuse sweating, especially on a horse.
2.1. Sweat-induced foam on animals
A layer of frothy sweat that forms on an animal's body, particularly a horse, after intense physical activity or exertion.
Synonyms
- foam
- froth
- spume
Examples
- After running through the rain, the horse was covered in a foamy lather.
Related Words
- sweat
- perspiration
- exertion
- horse
- fatigue
NOUN
3. A state of agitation or excitement
A condition of emotional disturbance, nervous excitement, or intense agitation.
3.1. Emotional agitation and nervous excitement
A state of being extremely upset, anxious, excited, or worked up about something.
Synonyms
- agitation
- frenzy
- fury
- fuss
- fluster
- dither
- hysteria
- turmoil
Antonyms
Examples
- He was in such a lather about being late that he forgot his keys.
Related Words
- anxiety
- alarm
- commotion
- uproar
- distress
- excitement
VERB
4. To produce or cover with foam
To create a mass of foam or froth, or to spread a foamy substance over a surface.
4.1. Applying soap or shampoo
To spread and work soap, shampoo, or another cleansing product into a foamy covering, usually by rubbing with water.
Synonyms
- soap
- foam
- froth
- suds
- lather up
Examples
- Make sure to lather the shampoo well before rinsing it out.
Related Words
4.2. Becoming covered in sweat and foam
To develop a covering of frothy sweat through intense physical exertion, especially when describing a horse.
Synonyms
- foam
- froth
- sweat
Examples
- The horse began to lather after galloping around the track.
Related Words
- perspire
- exertion
- gallop
- horse
- sweating
VERB
5. To beat or whip severely
To strike or beat someone or something repeatedly and forcefully.
5.1. Repeated physical beating
To hit, strike, or whip someone repeatedly with considerable force, often as an act of punishment or violence.
Synonyms
Examples
- The old expression refers to lathering someone with repeated blows.