rub
verb (used with object)
to subject the surface of (a thing or person) to pressure and friction, as in cleaning, smoothing, polishing, coating, massaging, or soothing.
has rubbed
-
present perfectof rub (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mastro’s hard-charging legal style has rubbed others in New York politics the wrong way, including the City Council, which helped stymie his bid to become the city’s top lawyer during the Adams administration.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
Hearing more about Carlos’ selflessness has rubbed off on Bustillos, according to his mom, Vanessa.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026
This loss has rubbed some of the shine off the coalition and Meloni herself, long the strong woman of Italian politics, has been left looking more vulnerable.
From BBC ● Mar. 23, 2026
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rubbed Brazilians the wrong way with disparaging comments about the COP30 host city of Belem.
From Barron's ● Nov. 18, 2025
I see one of them has a large raw patch on its shoulder where the yoke has rubbed the skin off.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
