rub up

To move against someone or something while touching them.

• The cat rubbed up against me.
• His coat rubbed up against the freshly painted door.
• The puppy likes to rub up on my legs.

How to use it: rub up against someone/something (The cat rubbed up against my legs.); rub up on someone/something (The kitten rubbed up on my arm.)

Similar words: rub against, brush against

Common phrases: rub up against someone, rub up against something

To clean or make something shine by rubbing it, sometimes using a cream or other substance.

• Rub up the brass handles.
• He rubbed up his boots with wax.
• She rubbed the old silver up until it shone.

How to use it: rub something up (She rubbed the silver up with a soft cloth.)

Similar words: polish, scrub

Common phrases: rub up something, rub up brass buttons

To press and move your hands over part of someone’s body to ease pain or stiffness.

• She rubbed up his aching back.
• He asked me to rub his sore legs up.
• The trainer rubbed up the runner’s muscles.

How to use it: rub someone/something up (He rubbed her tired shoulders up after the walk.)

Similar words: massage

Common phrases: rub up sore muscles, rub someone up

To make something, such as foam, by rubbing.

• Rub up a lather with the soap.
• He rubbed up some foam before shaving.
• Can you rub up enough lather with that small bar?

How to use it: rub up something (Rub up a lather between your hands.)

Similar words: work up

Common phrases: rub up a lather, rub up some foam

To attack someone physically.

• They threatened to rub him up.
• The men rubbed up a stranger outside the inn.
• She feared the gang would rub her up if she complained.

How to use it: rub someone up (The gang threatened to rub him up.)

Similar words: assault, attack

Common phrases: rub someone up, rub up someone