chafe

1 of 2

verb

chafed; chafing

transitive verb

1
: irritate, vex
The noise of the children playing chafed her.
2
: to warm by rubbing especially with the hands
3
a
: to rub so as to wear away : abrade
the strap chafed his skin
The boat chafed its sides against the dock.
b
: to make sore by or as if by rubbing
The tight collar chafed his neck.

intransitive verb

1
: to feel irritation, discontent, or impatience : fret
chafes at the rules
2
: to rub and thereby cause wear or irritation
The baby's skin chafes if the strap is too tight.

chafe

2 of 2

noun

1
: a state of vexation : rage
the cardinal in a state of chafe sent for himWilliam Camden
2
: injury or wear caused by friction
Gloves provide protection against chafe.
also : friction, rubbing

Examples of chafe in a Sentence

Verb When the strap is too tight, it chafes the baby's skin. If my boots aren't laced up tight they chafe. The baby's skin will chafe if the strap is too tight.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
By Ashley Mateo October 30, 2024 7:23 AM EDT Chest straps are more accurate than wristbands for measuring heart rate, but layering one that fully wraps around the torso under a sports bra is bulky and can chafe. Ashley Mateo, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 Best Hydration Pack: Salomon Adv Skin 5 Set Hydration Vest Designed to fit women’s bodies 12 pockets Doesn’t bounce Some reviewers report that the material around the neck can chafe A hydration pack can make or break your trail run. Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
Floyd instantly chafes at the hierarchies imposed in Jay’s household, and when the island is cut off from ferries and grocery stores are closed, the mansion becomes dependent on its cook to provide. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2024 But for much of the show, Abigail serves as the primary narrator, and her delivery chafes. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for chafe 

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English chaufen to warm, from Anglo-French chaufer, from Vulgar Latin *calfare, alteration of Latin calefacere, from calēre to be warm + facere to make — more at lee, do

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chafe was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near chafe

Cite this Entry

“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chafe. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

chafe

verb
ˈchāf
chafed; chafing
1
b
: to feel irritation, dissatisfaction, or impatience : fret
2
: to warm by rubbing
3
: to rub so as to wear away or make sore

Medical Definition

chafe

1 of 2 transitive verb
chafed; chafing
: to irritate or make sore by or as if by rubbing

chafe

2 of 2 noun
: injury caused by friction

More from Merriam-Webster on chafe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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