Rub Definition
rŭb
rubbed, rubbing, rubs
verb
rubbed, rubbing, rubs
To move with pressure and friction (on, against, etc.)
The tire rubbing against the fender.
Webster's New World
To move (one's hand, a cloth, etc.) over, or spread or apply (polish, etc.) on or over, a surface or object in this way.
Webster's New World
To move one's hand, a cloth, etc. over (a surface or object) with pressure and friction, in a circular or back-and-forth motion.
Webster's New World
To apply pressure and friction to, for cleaning, polishing, smoothing, etc.
Webster's New World
To move (a thing) against something else, or move (things) over each other with pressure and friction.
Webster's New World
noun
rubs
The act or an instance of rubbing; specif., a massage.
Webster's New World
The application of friction and pressure.
A back rub.
American Heritage
A substance or preparation applied by rubbing, especially:
American Heritage
A place or spot that has been rubbed until rough or sore.
Webster's New World
An obstacle, hindrance, or difficulty.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
idiom
rub elbows
- To mix or socialize closely:
diplomats rubbing elbows with heads of state.
American Heritage
rub (one's) hands
- To experience or display pleased anticipation, self-satisfaction, or glee.
American Heritage
rub (someone's) nose in
- To bring repeatedly and forcefully to another's attention.
American Heritage
rub (someone) the wrong way
- To annoy; irritate:
American Heritage
rub up on
- To refresh one's knowledge of:
I have to rub up on my French.
American Heritage
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Rub
- rub elbows
- rub (one's) hands
- rub (someone's) nose in
- rub (someone) the wrong way
- rub up on
- rub along
- rub down
- rub elbows with
- rub it in
- rub off on
- rub out
- rub the wrong way
Origin of Rub
Middle English rubben
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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