verb
prime
To make someone or something ready for action or use.
The coach primes her team for the game with encouragement.
Etymology
Prime is associated with making a first preparation. From preparing a weapon or surface, the verb broadened to readying someone or something for the next action.
More examples
- We prime the walls before painting them.
- You need to prime the pump before starting it.
- The briefing primed us to answer the reporters' questions.
Forms
prime · primes · primed · priming
primer noun — An undercoat that prepares surfaces for painting.