Definition of: rub

(rub) v. rubbed, rub·bing v.t.
1. To move or pass over the surface of with pressure and friction.
2. To cause (something) to move or pass with friction; scrape; grate.
3. To cause to become frayed, worn, or sore from friction: This collar rubs my neck.
4. To clean, shine, burnish, etc., by means of pressure and friction, or by means of a substance applied thus.
5. To apply or spread with pressure and friction: to rub polish on a table.
6. To force by rubbing: with in or into: to rub oil into wood.
7. To remove or erase by friction: with off or out.
—v.i.
8. To move along a surface with friction; scrape.
9. To exert pressure and friction.
10. To become frayed, worn, or sore from friction; chafe.
11. To undergo rubbing or removal by rubbing: with off, out, etc.
—to rub it in Slang To harp on someone's errors, faults, etc.
—to rub out Slang To kill.
—to rub the wrong way Slang To irritate; annoy. See synonyms under WEAR. Compare FRICTION.
—noun
1. A subjection to frictional pressure; rubbing: Give it a rub.
2. That which renders progress difficult; a hindrance or a doubt: There's the rub.
3. Something that rubs or is rough to the feelings; a sarcasm: a rub in debate.
4. A roughness or unevenness of surface, quality, or character. [ME rubben, prob. <LG. Cf. G reiben.]