Search results for 'rub':

rub verb (rubbed, rubbing) 1 to apply pressure and friction to something by moving one's hand or an object backwards and forwards over its surface. 2 intrans (usually rub against, on or along something) to move backwards and forwards against, on or along it with pressure and friction. 3 (usually rub something on or into something else) to apply (ointment, polish, etc) to a surface with pressure so that it is evenly spread, absorbed, etc. 4 to clean something or polish, dry, smooth it, etc by applying pressure and friction. 5 tr & intr (often rub something away, off, out, etc) to remove it or be removed by pressure and friction. 6 tr & intr to be sore or make something sore by pressure and friction; to chafe. 7 tr & intr to fray by pressure and friction. 8 intrans, bowls said of a bowl: to be slowed down or deflected by unevenness in the green, an obstacle, etc. noun 1 the process or an act of rubbing. 2 an obstacle or difficulty • It will cost a lot and there's the rub. 3 bowls something that slows down or deflects a bowl. rubbing noun 1 application of friction. 2 an impression or copy made by placing paper over a raised surface and rubbing the paper with crayon, wax, chalk, etc • a brass rubbing. See also frottage (sense 1). rub shoulders to come into social contact. rub someone's nose in it to persist in reminding someone of a fault or mistake they have made. rub someone up the wrong way to annoy or irritate them, especially by dealing with them carelessly or tactlessly.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c.