WordLens

rub

1 of 2verb
/rʌb/
Forms:rubs,rubbing,rubbed,rubbed
1

to apply pressure to a surface with back and forth or circular motions

transitive
  • She decided to rub the sore muscles on her shoulders after a long day at work.
  • The cook instructed the students to rub the seasoning evenly over the meat for the best flavor.
  • To ease the tension, she began to rub her temples in slow, circular motions.
  • The child rubbed his eyes sleepily as he struggled to stay awake.
  • He rubbed his forehead in frustration as he tried to solve the difficult puzzle.
2

to cause something to move back and forth against another object or surface and create friction

transitive
  • She rubbed the cloth against the window to remove the streaks and dirt.
  • He rubbed the eraser vigorously against the paper to correct the mistake.
  • She rubbed the balloon against her hair to generate static electricity.
  • He rubbed the sandpaper against the rough edges of the wood to smooth them out.