Salivate: meaning, definitions and examples

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salivate

[ ˈsæl.ə.veɪt ]

^{Context #1}

in anticipation

To produce saliva in the mouth as a reaction to the sight or smell of food, often as a sign of hunger.

Synonyms

dribble, drip, slobber

Examples of usage

The delicious aroma from the kitchen made him salivate.
As soon as she saw the chocolate cake, she began to salivate.
I always salivate when I think about my favorite meal.

^{Context #2}

medical

To have excessive saliva in the mouth, often due to a medical condition.

Synonyms

drool, spit

Examples of usage

The medication caused him to salivate uncontrollably.
Some people salivate more when they are nervous.

^{Context #3}

informal

To express excessive admiration or desire for something.

Synonyms

covet, crave

Examples of usage

He would salivate over the latest gadgets.
She would salivate at the thought of a vacation.

Translations

Translations of the word "salivate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 salivar

🇮🇳 लार टपकाना

🇩🇪 speicheln

🇮🇩 mengeluarkan air liur

🇺🇦 слюніти

🇵🇱 ślinić się

🇯🇵 よだれを垂らす

🇫🇷 saliver

🇪🇸 salivar

🇹🇷 salya akıtmak

🇰🇷 침을 흘리다

🇸🇦 سال لعابه

🇨🇿 slinit

🇸🇰 sliniť sa

🇨🇳 流口水

🇸🇮 sliniti se

🇮🇸 slefa

🇰🇿 сілекей ағызу

🇬🇪 ნერწყვის გამოყოფა

🇦🇿 tükrük ifraz etmək

🇲🇽 salivar

Word origin

The word 'salivate' comes from the Latin word 'salivare', meaning 'to produce saliva'. Saliva plays a crucial role in digestion by moistening the food and breaking down starches. The act of salivating is a natural response to the anticipation of food or due to certain medical conditions. In a more figurative sense, 'salivate' can also be used to convey intense desire or admiration for something.