Definition

An act of cleaning something by rubbing it hard to remove dirt or stains.

Example

The scrubbing of the floors made them shine like new.

Conversation

I spent the whole afternoon scrubbing the kitchen floor.

Wow, that sounds like a tough job!

It really was, but it's so satisfying to see it clean after all that scrubbing.

I bet! I should probably do some scrubbing in my bathroom this weekend.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To clean something by rubbing it hard with a brush, cloth, or other tool.

Example

She is scrubbing the kitchen floor to make it shine.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I spent my afternoon scrubbing the kitchen tiles.

Wow, that sounds like a tough job!

It was, but they look so much better now after scrubbing.

Root Explanation

Scrubbing → It is formed from "scrub" (from Middle English *scrubben*, meaning to clean or rub) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The word "scrubbing" refers to the action of cleaning something by rubbing it vigorously.

Memory Tip

Think of the action of 'rubbing' something clean — that's what scrubbing means, as it involves cleaning through vigorous rubbing.

Visually Confused Words