Langimage
English

scrub

|scrub|

B2

/skrʌb/

clean by rubbing

Etymology
Etymology Information

'scrub' originates from Middle Dutch, specifically the word 'schrobben,' where 'schrobben' meant 'to rub hard.'

Historical Evolution

'schrobben' transformed into the Middle English word 'scrubben,' and eventually became the modern English word 'scrub.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to rub hard,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'cleaning by rubbing' and 'canceling something.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a small, stunted tree or shrub.

The landscape was dotted with scrub and small trees.

Synonyms

Noun 2

an area of land covered with low trees and bushes.

The explorers trekked through the dense scrub.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to clean something by rubbing it hard with a brush.

She scrubbed the floor until it was spotless.

Synonyms

Verb 2

to cancel or abandon something.

The mission was scrubbed due to bad weather.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39