What does the phrasal verb “rub up against” mean?

What are the definitions of “rub up against”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Touch someone in a sensual or sexual way.

  The cat RUBBED UP AGAINST my leg purring.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rub up against”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rub up against is to touch someone or something gently, usually in a sensual or sexual way. It can also be used to describe an animal, like a cat, rubbing itself against a person or object.

What are the different verb forms of “rub up against”?

Root Verb	rub up against
Third Person Singular Present	rubs up against
Present Participle	rubbing up against
Simple Past	rubbed up against
Past Participle	rubbed up against

Example

The cat rubbed up against my leg, purring.

Example

She rubs up against him when she wants attention.

Example

The dog is rubbing up against the furniture to scratch its back.

Example

He rubbed up against her at the party, making her uncomfortable.

Example

The cat had rubbed up against the furniture, leaving fur everywhere.

What kind of phrasal verb is “rub up against”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“rub up against” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The cat rubbed up against my leg.

Example

She rubbed up against him at the party.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“rub up against” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The cat rubbed up against my leg.

Example

She rubbed up against him at the party.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rub up against”?

Rub someone the wrong way

To irritate or annoy someone, often unintentionally.

Example

His constant bragging rubbed her the wrong way.

Rub it in

To emphasize someone's mistake or failure, often in a hurtful or mocking way.

Example

I know I made a mistake, but you don't have to rub it in.

Rub elbows with

To socialize or interact with people, especially those who are influential or famous.

Example

At the event, she had the chance to rub elbows with several celebrities.

Good things to know

Does “rub up against” have an informal or formal tone?

Rub up against is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative expressions, such as 'touch gently' or 'brush against'.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “rub up against”?

Synonyms

• graze
• stroke
• brush against
• touch gently
• caress

Antonyms

• avoid
• distance
• separate
• withdraw
• move away