Meaning of the word rub in English

What does rub mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

rub

US /rʌb/

UK /rʌb/

move one's hand or a cloth repeatedly over a surface while applying pressure

Example:

•

She began to rub her temples to ease the headache.

•

He used a cloth to rub the dirt off his shoes.

Synonym:

massage chafe polish scrub wipe

cause to move with a continuous friction against a surface

Example:

•

The branches rubbed against the windowpane in the wind.

•

His new shoes began to rub his heels.

Synonym:

chafe grate abrade scrape

an act of rubbing

Example:

•

Give the surface a good rub to make it shine.

•

A quick rub with a damp cloth will clean it.

Synonym:

wipe polish scrub massage

a difficulty or problem, especially one that is hidden or not immediately obvious

Example:

•

The only rub is that we don't have enough money.

•

Here's the rub: we need to finish this by tomorrow.

Synonym:

difficulty obstacle hindrance impediment snag