Definition

1. Noun:

   • A frothy white mass of bubbles produced by soap or detergent mixed with water: This is the most common meaning, referring to the foam created when soap is agitated in water.
   • Foam produced by profuse sweating, especially on a horse: This meaning describes the white, frothy sweat that appears on a horse's coat during intense exertion.
   • A state of agitation or worry: Used figuratively to describe a state of nervous excitement or anxiety.

2. Verb:

   • To cover with or produce lather (soapy foam): The action of rubbing soap with water to create a froth, typically for washing or shaving.
   • To produce sweat in the form of a lather, as a horse does: To sweat profusely, forming a frothy coating.
   • (Informal) To beat or thrash severely: To strike someone repeatedly, often with a whip or similar object.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • He worked the shampoo into a rich lather. (He created a thick foam from the shampoo.)
  • The racehorse was covered in lather after the intense workout. (The horse was frothy with sweat.)
  • She was in a real lather about the upcoming presentation. (She was in a state of great anxiety.)

• Verb:

  • Be sure to lather your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds. (Cover your hands completely with soapy foam.)
  • The overworked horse began to lather heavily. (The horse started sweating profusely, producing foam.)
  • (Informal) The villain threatened to lather the hero if he didn't talk. (The villain threatened to beat the hero severely.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be in/get into a lather": To be or become very agitated, anxious, or excited.
  • There's no need to get into a lather; we have plenty of time. (There's no need to become agitated.)
• "to work up a lather": Literally, to create soap foam; figuratively, to work oneself into a state of agitation.
  • He worked up a lather of righteous indignation over the news. (He became very agitated with anger.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lathery (adjective): Covered with or resembling lather; frothy.
  • The lathery waves crashed against the rocks. (The frothy waves crashed.)
• Lathering (noun/gerund): The act of applying or forming lather.
  • A good lathering is essential for a close shave. (The act of creating foam is essential.)

Synonyms

• Foam, froth, suds (for the soapy noun).
• Sweat, perspiration (for the equine noun).
• Agitation, fluster, dither (for the state of worry).
• Soap up, wash (for the cleaning verb).
• Thrash, flog, beat (for the informal beating verb).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Lather up: To apply soap and work it into a lather.
  • Lather up the soap before applying it to your face. (Create foam from the soap first.)

Related Idioms

• "Don't get your bowels in an uproar" / "Don't get in a lather": Informal expressions advising someone not to become overly upset or agitated.
  • Calm down, it's just a small mistake—don't get in a lather about it. (Don't become overly agitated.)

Noun

1. the foam resulting from excessive sweating (as on a horse)
2. a workman who puts up laths
3. agitation resulting from active worry
   • don't get in a stew
   • he's in a sweat about exams
4. the froth produced by soaps or detergents

Verb

1. rub soap all over, usually with the purpose of cleaning
2. exude sweat or lather
   • this unfit horse lathers easily
3. form a lather
   • The shaving cream lathered
4. beat severely with a whip or rod
   • The teacher often flogged the students
   • The children were severely trounced