<< Back to dictionary

The Meaning of rub

  • (v. t.) To subject (a body) to the action of something moving over its surface with pressure and friction, especially to the action of something moving back and forth; as, to rub the flesh with the hand; to rub wood with sandpaper.
  • (v. t.) To move over the surface of (a body) with pressure and friction; to graze; to chafe; as, the boat rubs the ground.
  • (v. t.) To cause (a body) to move with pressure and friction along a surface; as, to rub the hand over the body.
  • (v. t.) To spread a substance thinly over; to smear.
  • (v. t.) To scour; to burnish; to polish; to brighten; to cleanse; -- often with up or over; as, to rub up silver.
  • (v. t.) To hinder; to cross; to thwart.
  • (v. i.) To move along the surface of a body with pressure; to grate; as, a wheel rubs against the gatepost.
  • (v. i.) To fret; to chafe; as, to rub upon a sore.
  • (v. i.) To move or pass with difficulty; as, to rub through woods, as huntsmen; to rub through the world.
  • (n.) The act of rubbing; friction.
  • (n.) That which rubs; that which tends to hinder or obstruct motion or progress; hindrance; obstruction, an impediment; especially, a difficulty or obstruction hard to overcome; a pinch.
  • (n.) Inequality of surface, as of the ground in the game of bowls; unevenness.
  • (n.) Something grating to the feelings; sarcasm; joke; as, a hard rub.
  • (n.) Imperfection; failing; fault.
  • (n.) A chance.
  • (n.) A stone, commonly flat, used to sharpen cutting tools; a whetstone; -- called also rubstone.

Synonyms

rent , split , enlistment , preventative , term of enlistment , duty tour , stay , preventive , tear , wipe , limp , hitch , tour , interference , stoppage , check , tour of duty , hinderance , incumbrance , hobble , snag , halt , encumbrance , hang-up , hindrance , rip , stop , arrest , fray , itch , chafe , scratch , fret , fuss , eat into , excise , gag , choke , scratch up , nark , erode , excoriate , bother , rile , scrub , gravel , strike , inscribe , rankle , get to , eat away , come up , scrape up , scrape , cancel , nettle , gall , call off , get at , engrave , irritate , annoy , frazzle , niggle , rag , expunge , vex , grate , devil , grave , spoil , guide , run , draw , pass

Rhymes

bub , bubb , chubb , club , clubb , cub , drub , dub , grub , grubb , hub , jubb , nightclub , nub , pub , scrub , shrub , snub , squib , strub , strubbe , stub , stubbe , sub , tub , tubb , washtub