Rub off Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Influence Used when someone's mood or behavior starts to affect another person. After spending time with her, his optimism began to rub off on me. Pro Tip 2/3Proximity Required Usually happens when spending time closely with someone else. Working with creative people, their innovative thinking might rub off on you. Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Transformation The change is often gradual and not immediate. You'll find that his calmness will slowly rub off on the team.