rub up against

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To touch something with one's body.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Chạm vào thứ gì đó bằng cơ thể

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

She accidentally rubbed up against the painted door and got green paint on her blouse.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To touch another person with one's body in a sexually stimulating manner.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Chạm vào người khác bằng cơ thể để kích thích tình dục

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To touch a person's body in a friendly manner, seeking attention. (of animals)

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Chạm vào cơ thể người khác một cách thân thiện để tìm kiếm sự chú ý

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “rub up against” mean?

To touch something with one's body.

Is “rub up against” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.