hydrate
HY-drayt
/ˈhaɪ.dreɪt/
To supply water to a person or organism in order to maintain fluid balance.
Used frequently as a command or health advice, emphasizing proactive fluid intake before, during, and after exercise.
The story behind the word. Rooted in Ancient Greek 'hydor' (water). Chemistry adapted 'hydrate' in the early 19th century to describe compounds combining with water, before sports physiology adopted it for human fluid intake.
Word relationships
- moisten: Refers to making a surface wet rather than restoring internal biological fluids.
- quench: Specifically satisfies the sensation of thirst.
- dehydrate: To lose water or remove fluid from the body.
Commonly confused with
- hydroplane: Hydroplane means sliding uncontrollably on water, whereas hydrate means taking in water.
Word family
- hydration (noun): The process of absorbing water.
- dehydrate (verb): To cause loss of moisture or body fluids.
Collocations
- stay hydrated
- hydrate regularly
- hydrate prior to exercise
- properly hydrate
Example sentences
- "Athletes need to hydrate properly throughout their workouts to maintain peak performance." Hydration advice
Memory hook
Hydra loves water; hydrate means drinking water. Hydor = Water; fill your body with fluid.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'dilute', which means adding water to weaken a liquid substance.
Fun facts
- Electrolyte-enhanced sports drinks were created in 1965 to help football players hydrate faster during humid games.
Related words
Explore more words
hydration, Moisturize, irrigate, dehydrate, rejuvenate, submerge
Also appears in
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