First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1chafe
verb \ˈchāf\
: to become irritated or annoyed : to feel impatient
: to cause soreness or damage by rubbing against something (such as your skin)
: to become sore or damaged from rubbing
chafedchaf·ing
Full Definition of CHAFE
transitive verb
2
: to warm by rubbing especially with the hands
3
a : to rub so as to wear away : abrade <the strap chafed his skin> b : to make sore by or as if by rubbing
intransitive verb
1
: to feel irritation, discontent, or impatience : fret <chafes at the rules>
2
: to rub and thereby cause wear or irritation
See chafe defined for English-language learners
See chafe defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CHAFE
2chafe
noun
CHAFE Defined for Kids
chafe
verb \ˈchāf\
chafedchaf·ing
Definition of CHAFE for Kids
1
: to become irritated or impatient <Some of the guests chafed at the sleeping arrangements.>
2
: to rub so as to wear away or make sore <Chains chafed the skin of the animal's legs.>
Learn More About CHAFE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: chafe ironPrevious Word in the Dictionary: -chaetusAll Words Near: chafe
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up chafe? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).