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rub

 
 
pronunciation:
ruhb
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
phrases:
rub elbows, rub the wrong way
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun)
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: rubs, rubbing, rubbed
definition 1: to apply friction and pressure to with a back and forth motion.
He rubbed his sore arm.I rubbed the stain on the shirt with some detergent.
synonyms:
knead, massage
similar words:
burnish, caress, stroke
definition 2: to apply or spread (something) against or into a surface using pressure.
He spent the afternoon washing and rubbing wax on his car.The doctor said to rub the ointment into the skin well.
similar words:
burnish, smear, smooth, spread, swab, wipe
definition 3: to erase by applying friction and pressure (usu. fol. by "off" or "out").
He rubbed the stain out of his shirt with soap and a wet cloth.
synonyms:
delete, efface, erase, expunge, obliterate, wipe
similar words:
blot out, cancel, eradicate
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to move or slide against something.
This part of my shoe is rubbing and I'm getting a blister.Our shoulders rubbed as the three of us sat in the back of the small car.The cat rubs against the sofa and gets her fur all over it.
synonyms:
chafe, scrape
similar words:
abrade, graze, wear
definition 2: to admit of being removed by friction and pressure.
synonyms:
erase
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phrase: rub elbows, rub the wrong way
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the process or an instance of rubbing.
Give my back a rub.
synonyms:
massage, rubdown
definition 2: a bar or impediment.
The rub is that we can't afford the cost.
synonyms:
catch, difficulty, dilemma, hitch, impediment, obstacle, problem, snag, trouble
similar words:
wrinkle
definition 3: an action or comment that causes annoyance.
synonyms:
annoyance, chafe, cut, insult, nuisance, vexation
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