Rub

Definition

Rub is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to apply pressure and friction to a surface, often with the hands or another object. As a noun, it refers to the act of rubbing or a difficulty or obstacle.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rʌb/
• Respelling: RUB

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rʌb/
• Respelling: RUB

Etymology

The word "rub" originates from Middle English "rubben," which likely derives from Old French "ruber" or Middle Dutch "rubben," meaning "to scrape or rub."

Derivatives

• Rubbing (noun/verb form)
• Rubbed (verb form)
• Rubber (noun, object used for rubbing)
• Rubbable (adjective)
• Rubdown (noun)

Synonyms

• Massage
• Scrub
• Polish

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "rub" is commonly used in physical, idiomatic, and metaphorical contexts. Examples include "She rubbed the stain with soap" (verb) and "The only rub in the plan was the lack of funding" (noun).

Related Terms

• Scrub: To clean something by rubbing hard.
• Buff: To polish something by rubbing.
• Massage: To knead or rub the body to relieve tension.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To apply pressure and friction to a surface: Refers to the act of moving one object against another.
  • Example: "He rubbed his hands together to keep warm."
• To cause something to spread or become polished: Refers to the act of distributing or shining.
  • Example: "She rubbed lotion on her arms."
• To irritate or cause discomfort: Refers to physical or emotional irritation.
  • Example: "The tight shoes rubbed against his heels."

Noun

• The act of rubbing: Refers to the physical action of moving one object against another.
  • Example: "A good rub polished the wood to a shine."
• An obstacle or difficulty: Refers to a hindrance or complication.
  • Example: "The main rub was finding enough time to complete the project."