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Definition of "chafe" [chafe]

  • To wear away or irritate by rubbing. (verb-transitive)
  • To annoy; vex. (verb-transitive)
  • To warm by rubbing, as with the hands. (verb-transitive)
  • To rub and cause irritation or friction: The high collar chafed against my neck. (verb-intransitive)
  • To become worn or sore from rubbing. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "chafe" in a sentence
  • "A recent entry describes relentless attacks from what he calls the "chafe monster.""
  • "Among poor blacks worldwide, who may chafe from the legacy of colonial churches brought by white missionaries, Pentecostalism offers a theology that is more emotionally and experientially based and a liturgy that accommodates local rites, rituals, and traditions."
  • "(Lord ARTHUR and I frequently do not speak for a week unless someone is present) -- but I do not think these things should be made public, and besides, it is an unwritten law amongst "smart" people to avoid subjects that "chafe" -- which sounds like an anachronism -- whatever that means!"