rub up against

Verb

Meaning

To touch something with one's body.
She accidentally rubbed up against the painted door and got green paint on her blouse.

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

(of animals) To touch a person's body in a friendly manner, seeking attention.
Tibbles the cat rubbed up against my leg, asking for a piece of my cheese.

To come into conflict with someone or something.

Examples

It's no secret that in my books I'm trying to make the comic and the serious rub up against each other just as closely and uncomfortably as I can. Richard Russo

There is a piece of me that likes to fondly imagine my maverick and rebellious nature, but, more accurately, I like to have a nice and cosy institution that I can rub up against a little bit. Douglas Adams

Close letter words and terms