rub against

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   To move something back and forth while it touches and presses on a surface.

   Grammar: Often used with an object: rub the cloth against the glass. Can also be intransitive: the branch rubbed against the window.

   Patterns

   • rub something against something
   • rub against something

   She rubbed the stain against the washboard to get it out.

   The cat rubbed its head against my leg affectionately.

   The rope rubbed against the sharp edge and began to fray.

2. 2verbintransitive

   To cause slight discomfort or irritation by continuous contact with something.

   Grammar: Used without an object, often with a body part or clothing as the subject.

   Patterns

   • something rubs against something

   The label on my shirt rubs against my neck and itches.

   His new shoes rubbed against his heel and gave him a blister.

Word forms

Common combinations

rub against the skin

The rough fabric can rub against the skin and cause a rash.

rub against each other

The two pieces of metal rubbed against each other and made a screeching sound.

rub against the grain

If you rub against the grain, you'll damage the wood.

rub up against

The cat rubbed up against the doorframe.

Synonyms and how they differ

scrape against

Suggests a harsher, more damaging contact that may leave a mark.

brush against

Implies a very light, brief touch, not a repeated rubbing motion.

chafe

Focuses on the painful irritation caused by rubbing, often on skin.

Word family

rub verb

To move your hand or an object back and forth over a surface.

rubbing noun

The action of moving something back and forth over a surface, often to clean or polish.

Commonly confused: rub against or rub off on? rub against or rub in?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “rub against”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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