Scrub: meaning, definitions and examples

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scrub

[skrʌb ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

cleaning

A person who cleans surfaces and removes dirt, stains, and impurities.

Synonyms

cleaner, janitor, maid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scrub	This word is used when talking about the act of cleaning something thoroughly by rubbing it hard, often with a brush and water. She had to scrub the dishes to get rid of the dried food. He scrubbed the floor until it was spotless.
cleaner	This word refers to a person whose job is to clean, or it can describe a substance used for cleaning. The cleaner comes to our office twice a week. You should use a window cleaner to get rid of those streaks.
janitor	This term is used for a person employed to clean and maintain a building, often in schools, offices, or public spaces. It may carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on the context. The janitor locked the school after everyone left. She asked the janitor to fix the broken light in the hallway.
maid	This term typically refers to a woman whose job involves cleaning and sometimes other housework tasks, usually in someone's home or in a hotel. It can carry a historical or less formal tone. The maid changed the bed linens every day. In the 19th century, having a maid was a sign of wealth.

Examples of usage

The scrub did a great job cleaning the bathroom tiles.
She hired a professional scrub to clean her house before the party.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

cleaning

To rub hard in order to clean something.

Synonyms

clean, rub, scrub down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scrub	Used when you need to clean something by rubbing it hard with a brush, sponge, or cloth. Often for grime or dirt that is stuck to a surface. I need to scrub the floor to remove the coffee stains She scrubbed the pots and pans after dinner
clean	A general term for making something free from dirt, dust, or impurities. It doesn’t necessarily involve rigorous scrubbing. Suitable for both light and heavy cleaning tasks. She cleaned the house before the guests arrived He spent the weekend cleaning his car
rub	Usually implies a back-and-forth motion with the hands or an object, often for applying pressure on a surface. Often used in contexts other than cleaning, like applying lotion or trying to warm something. She rubbed her hands together to warm them up He rubbed the spot on the carpet to get rid of the small stain
scrub down	A more intense form of 'scrub,' often used when cleaning large or very dirty areas. It conveys a thorough and vigorous cleaning process. The staff scrubbed down the kitchen at the end of the day They had to scrub down the entire deck of the ship

Examples of usage

She scrubbed the floor until it was spotless.
He scrubbed the dishes after dinner.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English 'scrubben,' which meant to rub something hard.
Related to the Old Norse word 'skrubba,' meaning to rub or scratch.
It has been in use since the 14th century, originally referring to cleaning techniques.

Science

Scrubbing helps remove bacteria and harmful germs from surfaces, making it essential for hygiene.
Research shows that physical scrubbing is often more effective at removing dirt than chemical cleaners alone.
In microbiology, 'scrubbing' can also refer to the removal of contaminants from lab equipment to ensure purity.

Pop Culture

In the medical drama 'Scrubs,' hospital life and the experiences of doctors are humorously explored, reflecting on the importance of scrubbing in surgery.
Video games like 'Scrubby Dubby' offer fun, engaging ways to scrub and clean digitally, showing how cleaning can be playful.
The phrase 'scrub up' is commonly used before surgeries, signifying thorough cleaning for safety.

Psychology

Scrubbing can be a therapeutic activity, known for its calming effects when people engage in cleaning rituals.
Cleaning and organizing are often linked to reducing anxiety and improving focus, as a clean environment can enhance mental clarity.
Some psychological studies highlight the 'cleaning effect' where tidying up can bring feelings of control and relief from stress.

Literature

In Shakespeare's works, 'scrubbing' can refer to characters attempting to clean up their reputations or fouled circumstances.
Literary works often use scrubbing as a metaphor for inner cleansing, where characters seek redemption from past actions.
The term features in modern poetry as a symbol of renewal and fresh starts, emphasizing the feel of cleansing and refreshment.

Translations

Translations of the word "scrub" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esfregar

🇮🇳 घिसना

🇩🇪 schrubben

🇮🇩 menggosok

🇺🇦 терти

🇵🇱 szorować

🇯🇵 擦る (こする)

🇫🇷 frotter

🇪🇸 frotar

🇹🇷 ovalamak

🇰🇷 문지르다

🇸🇦 فرك

🇨🇿 drhnout

🇸🇰 drhnúť

🇨🇳 擦洗 (cā xǐ)

🇸🇮 drgniti

🇮🇸 skúra

🇰🇿 ысқылау

🇬🇪 ხეხვა

🇦🇿 ovmaq

🇲🇽 frotar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,746, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11743 cloudy
11744 anchorage
11745 exacting
11746 scrub
11747 antagonist
11748 beset
11749 sting
...