verb / noun
chafe
CHAYF/tʃeɪf/
To irritate through repeated rubbing.
The stiff shoe collar chafes his heel, leaving a reddened patch.
Etymology
The older idea of warming, especially by rubbing, developed into painful abrasion of the skin. Emotional uses likewise connect heat with being provoked or vexed, including irritation at restriction.
In context
need to really think about the trousers or the shorts like if you're wearing hot pants are your thighs gonna chafe together
More examples
- The rope chafes against the wooden post.
- She chafes at the restrictions on her work.
- The saddle causes a painful chafe on the horse's skin.
Forms
chafe · chafes · chafed · chafing