scrub
UK[skrʌb]US[skrʌb]
v
to rub something hard in order to clean it, especially using a stiff brush and water
v
to remove something from a surface by rubbing it hard with a brush and often soap and water
v
(informal) to decide not to do or continue with something, such as a plan or an event
n
the action of scrubbing something
n
an area of land covered with low trees and bushes
Etymology
the verb 'scrub' emerged in late middle english, likely related to or borrowed from middle low german 'schrubben' or middle dutch 'schrobben', meaning to clean by rubbing hard. these germanic terms are thought to be onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the sound or action of vigorous rubbing. the noun sense describing low, stunted vegetation developed later, in the late 16th century, possibly influenced by the shrubby, 'scrubbed' appearance of such land or from a variant of the word 'shrub'. the informal meaning of canceling a plan is a 20th-century extension, metaphorically suggesting erasing or washing it away.
Analysis
the word 'scrub' is a simplex word of germanic origin. it functions as both a verb and a noun in modern english.
Examples
she had to scrub the old paint off the floorboards.
the surgeon scrubbed his hands thoroughly before the operation.
due to bad weather, the launch was scrubbed.