What does laced mean?
“Laced” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “lace” and also functions as an adjective. Its literal meanings include decorated with lace and fastened with a cord or thread, as in laced shoes or windows laced with iron bars. It can also describe something that has been mixed with or pervaded by another substance: a drink may be laced with poison, while a performance or speech may be laced with humor, irony, or anxiety. The word therefore suggests not only a physical fastening or ornament but also the addition or diffusion of something throughout. Although it retains a slightly literary or traditional flavor when describing decoration, “laced with” is widely understood and frequently used in journalism, criticism, and everyday speech.
Decorated or fitted with lace; fastened with a cord or thread; or infused or pervaded with something.
"She wore black, silver-laced boots to the concert."
The figurative use in “laced with” is especially common when describing language, writing, atmosphere, or emotion.
The past tense and past participle of “lace”: to fasten with a cord or thread, thread through an opening, or mix with another substance.
"The poisoner laced the wine with poison."
The verb is transitive in standard usage, although “lace into” is a separate informal expression meaning to attack vigorously.
A single word can describe both a shoe fastened with delicate cords and a drink made dangerous by a hidden ingredient.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of laced
The word comes from “lace,” which entered Middle English from Old French lace, meaning a cord, braid, or noose. Old French lace developed from Latin laqueus, “a noose or snare,” which is related to words such as “lasso” and “latchet.” The modern senses developed through the history of braiding, fastening, and applying decorative lace.
Related word forms
How laced is actually used
When referring to footwear or garments, “laced” is usually used in the sense of fastened with laces. The figurative sense “laced with” is common in both formal and informal English and often suggests that a quality or substance pervades something.
Easily confused with laced
“Laced” refers to fastening with a cord, decorating with lace, or being infused with something, whereas “lasted” means endured or remained in use.
“Laced” involves fastening or threading, while “placed” means put in a particular position.