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

Dictionary Entries Near rub in

Cite this Entry

“Rub in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rub%20in. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rub in

verb
: to keep reminding someone of something unpleasant
you don't have to rub it in
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!