rub (rŭb)

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[Middle English rubben.]

verb: rubbed, rub·bing, rubs. 

transitive verb 

1. To apply pressure and friction to (a surface).
2. To clean, polish, or manipulate by the application of pressure and friction.
3. To apply to a surface firmly and with friction: rub lotion on the hands; rub dye into the fabric.
4. To move (an object or objects) firmly along a surface, especially repeatedly: rub an eraser over the blackboard; rubbed my fingers over the sore spot.
5. To cause to become worn, chafed, or irritated.
6. To remove, erase, or expunge: rub away a stain; rubbed the sleep from my eyes.

intransitive verb 

1. 1. To exert pressure or friction on something.
   2. To wear or chafe with friction: My shoes were beginning to rub.
   3. To cause irritation or annoyance.
2. To move along in contact with a surface; graze or scrape.
3. To be transferred or removed by contact or proximity: newsprint that rubbed off on my fingers; wished some of her luck would rub off on me.

noun 

1. The act of rubbing.
2. The application of friction and pressure: a back rub.
3. A substance or preparation applied by rubbing, especially:
   1. A liniment or balm.
   2. A seasoning made of ground spices and herbs, applied to the surface of meat, fish, or vegetables before cooking.
4. An unevenness on a surface.
5. An act or remark that annoys or hurts another.
6. A difficulty or obstacle: “The rub for extraterrestrial life on Europa is that the moon's surface is an icy wasteland” (William J. Broad)

phrasal verbs

rub down

To perform a brisk rubbing of the body, as in massage.

rub in

To harp on (an unpleasant matter).

rub out

To obliterate by or as if by rubbing.

Slang To kill; murder.

idioms

rub elbows

To mix or socialize closely: diplomats rubbing elbows with heads of state.

rub (one's) hands

To experience or display pleased anticipation, self-satisfaction, or glee.

rub (someone's) nose in

To bring repeatedly and forcefully to another's attention.

rub (someone) the wrong way

To annoy; irritate: “One can see . . . how expression of his ideals and intentions must have rubbed many people the wrong way” (Christopher Lehmann-Haupt)

rub up on

To refresh one's knowledge of: I have to rub up on my French.