transitive verb rubbed, rubbing rub′·bing

1. to move one's hand, a cloth, etc. over (a surface or object) with pressure and friction, in a circular or back-and-forth motion
2. to move (one's hand, a cloth, etc.) over, or spread or apply (polish, etc.) on or over, a surface or object in this way
3. to move (a thing) against something else, or move (things) over each other with pressure and friction: often followed by together, etc.
4. to apply pressure and friction to, for cleaning, polishing, smoothing, etc.
5. to put into a specified condition by applying pressure and friction to rub oneself dry
6. to make sore or chafed by rubbing
7. to force, cause to go, etc. (in, into, etc.) by rubbing
8. to remove by rubbing (out, off, away, etc.)

Etymology: ME rubben, akin to Dan rubbe, EFris rubben < IE *reup-, to tear out < base *reu-, to dig, tear out > rob, rip, rug, rubble, L rumpere, to break

intransitive verb

1. to move with pressure and friction (on, against, etc.) the tire rubbing against the fender
2. to rub something; exert pressure and friction on something
3. to admit of being rubbed or removed by rubbing: often with off, out, etc.
4. to arouse anger or irritation

noun

1. the act or an instance of rubbing; specif., a massage
2. an obstacle, hindrance, or difficulty
3. a place or spot that has been rubbed until rough or sore
4. something that irritates, annoys, offends, etc., as a jeer or rebuke