Frotter (en. Rub)

/fʁɔ.te/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

To apply pressure to a surface with a back-and-forth movement.

You need to rub the floor to remove the stains.

Il faut frotter le sol pour enlever les taches.

To rub two objects against each other.

The children rub their hands to warm up.

Les enfants frottent leurs mains pour se réchauffer.

To generate heat through friction.

He rubbed two sticks together to start a fire.

Il a frotté deux bâtons pour allumer un feu.

From Latin 'fricare', meaning to rub.

rub hands

to emphasize an anticipation or a coming pleasure.

frotter les mains

to rub someone the right way

to flatter someone to gain an advantage.

frotter quelqu'un dans le sens du poil

rub one's nose

to mock someone by criticizing them.

frotter son nez

rub

A person who rubs, especially in an intrusive flirting context.

frotteur

rubbed

Slang term for an action of rubbing, often in a humorous context.

frotti

To rub a person in an affectionate way.

I'm going to rub my girlfriend so she feels better.

Je vais frotter ma copine pour qu'elle se sente mieux.

To rub an enemy or rival, often in a competitive context.

He rubbed his opponent to gain the upper hand.

Il a frotté son adversaire pour prendre l'avantage.