Chafe

usgb/tʃeɪf/
verb

To rub something repeatedly and cause irritation.

She began to chafe her cold hands together for warmth.
Visual representation of "chafe" - To rub something repeatedly and cause irritation

Often appears as...

  • chafe against
  • chafe under
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "chafe"
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Physical action

Chafe often describes physical friction that causes discomfort, usually skin-related.

Illustration for Physical action
Hiking for hours can cause your thighs to chafe.
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Seek relief

When something chafes, one instinctively tries to adjust or soothe the area.

Illustration for Seek relief
The collar chafed his neck, so he loosened it.
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Not always visible

Chafe can happen without leaving obvious marks, it's the sensation that's noteworthy.

Illustration for Not always visible
Though her shoes didn't chafe visibly, they were still uncomfortable.
Visual representation of the word "Chafe"

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