rub

Press and slide

Rub is to move something back and forth against a surface with pressure.

You rub your eyes when tired, rub lotion into skin, rub a stain to remove it.

Things that rub together create friction: My shoes rub against my heels.

A rub is an act of rubbing or a difficulty: There's the rub.

To rub someone the wrong way is to irritate them.

To rub it in is to emphasize someone's failure or mistake.

A rub is also a spice mixture applied to meat before cooking.

clean

polish

Smooth by rubbing

buffAvid fan; also burnish
shineEmit or reflect light
wipeRub to clean

scour · burnish · cloth · rag · elbow-grease · luster · gleam · smear · towel · chamois

friction

chafe

Irritate by friction

abrasionShallow surface wound
scrapeRub harshly against
irritationMild anger or inflammation

blister · sore · wear · raw · contact · resistance · graze · heat · texture · traction

massage

knead

Work with hands

strokeSudden brain blood blockage
pressApply force downward
therapyCurative mental treatment

relaxation · shiatsu · acupressure · therapist · muscles · circulation · aromatherapy · wellness · manipulation · reflexology

obstacle

snag

Unforeseen complication

hitchTemporary difficulty or snag
catchSeize or snag
difficultyState of being hard

complication · problem · drawback · stumbling-block · wrinkle · impediment · setback

seasoning

spice

Plant-derived food flavoring

marinadeSeasoned steeping liquid
paprikaGround dried pepper
cuminGround aromatic seed

garlic · pepper · salt · oregano · thyme · rosemary · coriander · turmeric · sage · chili

Categories

touchtouch, feel, touching, caress, feeling
touchestouch, pat, tap, stroke, caress
gentle motionscaress, pat, stroke, nudge, tap
body sensestouch, pain, proprioception, kinesthesia, tactile sensation
surface worksmooth, roughen, polish, buff, sand
affectionhug, kiss, care, cuddle, caress

Opposites

physical action

rubpat

Gentle palm stroke

tap · dab · poke · stroke · press

surface effect

Make surface uneven

scuff · coarsen · scratch · ruffle · gouge

PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY (noun sense)

Answer or liquid mixture

answer · blessing · boon · advantage · aid

Phrases

rubber bandStretchable fastening loop
rubber glovesWaterproof hand coverings
rubber stampAutomatic approval device
rub it inEmphasize someone's mistake cruelly
back rubManual pressure on spine area
rub offGradually influence another

Family

scrub, rubber, rubbing, rubble, rubbed, rubs, rubbery, scrubbing, scrubbed

Familiarity: Top 3,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G