rub

²rub

noun

Definition of RUB

1

a : an unevenness of surface (as of the ground in lawn bowling) b : obstruction, difficulty <the rub is that so few of the scholars have any sense of this truth themselves — Benjamin Farrington> c : something grating to the feelings (as a gibe or harsh criticism) d : something that mars serenity

2

: the application of friction with pressure <an alcohol rub>

Examples of RUB

1. She's an amazing cook, but she rarely has time to make meals. There's the rub.
2. He used his favorite rub on the steaks.
3. a dry rub for chicken

First Known Use of RUB

1586

Related to RUB

Synonyms: aggravation, aggro [British], bother, botheration, bugbear, exasperation, frustration, hair shirt, hassle, headache, inconvenience, irk, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest, annoyance, ruffle, thorn, trial, vexation

Related Words: discomfort, fleabite, pinprick; affront, insult, offense (or offence); upset, worry; affliction, albatross, burden, cross, curse, menace, millstone, plague, sore; anxiety, plight, predicament, tribulation, trouble; hang-up, pet peeve, problem; annoyer, disturber, harasser, mischief, offender; pandora's box

Near Antonyms: delight, joy, pleasure

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