rub
UK: rʌb | US: rʌb
v. to move one's hand or an object back and forth against a surface with pressure
v. to apply friction (e.g., rubbing hands to warm them)
n. an act of rubbing
n. a difficulty or obstacle (informal, e.g., "the rub is...")
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The word "rub" originates from Middle English rubben, likely of Germanic origin, related to Low German rubben and Dutch robben, meaning "to scrape or scrub." Its core idea of friction or pressure has remained consistent, though it later acquired figurative uses (e.g., "a rub" as a difficulty, from the notion of friction as an impediment).
She rubbed her eyes tiredly after hours of reading.
Rubbing two sticks together can create fire.
The cat rubbed against my legs affectionately.
There’s the rub—we don’t have enough time.
Apply the ointment by gently rubbing it into the skin.