chafe

5 definitions • 9 examples

to make skin damaged or sore by rubbing, or to become damaged and sore like this:

The bracelet was so tight that it started to chafe my wrist.

Use a barrier cream to stop running clothes from chafing.

Her skin chafed where the tops of the boots had rubbed her legs.

to warm a part of the body by rubbing:

A servant was chafing his hands by the fire.

She began to chafe my sides to warm me up.

to be or become annoyed or lose patience, often because of rules or limits:

We have been chafing under petty regulations for too long.

He chafed at the stuffy formality of the music he was asked to play.

to make or become damaged or sore by rubbing:

[ T ] That bracelet chafed my wrist.

to be or become annoyed or lose patience:

Some students chafed at the increased security presence.