Word
laced
US/ˈɫeɪst/
UK/lˈeɪst/
Definition
adj. containing a small amount of a substance, like a drug, alcohol, or a strong flavor. It can also describe something that has a specific quality mixed into it, like a voice full of anger.
adj. containing a trace amount of a substance, often added secretly or for a specific effect; figuratively, infused with a particular quality or emotion. Often used predicatively or as a participial adjective modifying a noun.
Examples
“The punch was laced with too much sugar.”
“The detective suspected the drink was laced with a sedative because the victim fell asleep almost instantly.”
“Her speech was laced with subtle irony, making it difficult for the audience to determine whether she was being sincere or deeply critical of the new policy.”
Examples
simple
“The punch was laced with too much sugar.”
contextual
“The detective suspected the drink was laced with a sedative because the victim fell asleep almost instantly.”
complex
“Her speech was laced with subtle irony, making it difficult for the audience to determine whether she was being sincere or deeply critical of the new policy.”
Usage
Typically takes the preposition 'with' to indicate the added substance or quality.
Pitfall
The drink was laced of poison.
The drink was laced with poison.
Laced requires the preposition 'with' to show what has been added.
Real-World Examples
“There’s a soupçon of French history laced through its eight episodes, though never enough for the programme to feel dry.” “A chemist’s report later confirmed that the water had been laced with strychnine , a commercial poison used to kill rats.” Idioms
laced mutton — A prostitute.