English · Body & Health
rub
/rʌb/
[/rʌb/]
move a hand back and forth on a surface
Beginnerverb
Definition
To move your hand or an object back and forth against a surface with pressure. It can also be a noun for this action.
Example
She rubbed her eyes when she woke up.
She rubbed her eyes when she woke up.
Etymology
From Middle English 'rubben', of uncertain Low German origin.
How & Where It’s Used
Used for skin, surfaces, and cleaning; 'rub it in' means stress a mistake.