rub in

verb

rubbed in; rubbing in; rubs in

transitive verb

: to harp on (something unpleasant) : emphasize

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rub in was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

rubijervine
rub in
rubine
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Cite this Entry

“Rub in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rub%20in. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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Kids Definition

rub in

verb
: to keep reminding someone of something unpleasant
you don't have to rub it in
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