rub

rub [rub]

vt.

rubbed, rubbing [ME rubben, akin to Dan rubbe, EFris rubben < IE * reup-, to tear out < base * reu-, to dig, tear out > ROB, RIP¹, RUG, RUBBLE, L rumpere, to break]

1. 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

2. 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

3. to move (a thing) against something else, or move (things) over each other with pressure and friction: often followed by together, etc.

4. to apply pressure and friction to, for cleaning, polishing, smoothing, etc.

5. to put into a specified condition by applying pressure and friction [to rub oneself dry]

6. to make sore or chafed by rubbing

7. to force, cause to go, etc. (in, into, etc.) by rubbing

8. to remove by rubbing (out, off, away, etc.)

vi.

1. to move with pressure and friction (on, against, etc.) [the tire rubbing against the fender]

2. to rub something; exert pressure and friction on something

3. to admit of being rubbed or removed by rubbing: often with off, out, etc.

4. to arouse anger or irritation

n.

1. the act or an instance of rubbing; specif., a massage

2. an obstacle, hindrance, or difficulty

3. a place or spot that has been rubbed until rough or sore

4. something that irritates, annoys, offends, etc., as a jeer or rebuke

——————

rub along or rub on or rub through

Chiefly Brit. to manage or keep going in spite of difficulties

——————

rub down

1. to massage

2. to smooth, polish, wear down, etc. by rubbing

——————

rub elbows with

to associate or mingle with (famous or prominent people, etc.): also rub shoulders with

——————

rub it in

Slang to keep on mentioning to someone his or her failure or mistake, often with some malice

——————

☆ rub off on

to be left on (something or someone) as a mark, as by rubbing or, figuratively, by close contact

——————

rub out

1. to erase or be erased by rubbing

☆ 2. Slang to kill or murder

——————

rub the wrong way

to be annoying, irritating, etc. to