chafed; chafing
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.
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.
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
David Koenig, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2024
The Post reports that staff for years had chafed under Stebich’s leadership.
—News Desk, Artforum, 19 Nov. 2024
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 
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Verb
The airline industry has chafed under consumer-protection regulations imposed by the Biden administration.
—David Koenig, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2024
The Post reports that staff for years had chafed under Stebich’s leadership.
—News Desk, Artforum, 19 Nov. 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
Dictionary Entries Near chafe
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chafe. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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