chafeverb
uk/tʃeɪf/us/tʃeɪf/chafe verb (RUB)
[ I or T ] to make or become damaged or sore by rubbing:
The bracelet was so tight that it started to chafe (my wrist).
[ T ] old-fashioned to warm a part of the body by rubbing
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Scratching and rubbing
- abrade
- abrasion
- erode
- grate
- graze
- grind
- massage
- rasp
- rub sth/sb down
- rubdown
- scour
- scour sth out
- scrape
- scratch
- scuff
- smooth
- tickle
- wear
- wear (sth) away
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chafe verb (BE ANNOYED)
[ I usually + adv/prep ] to be or become annoyed or lose patience because of rules or limits:
We have been chafing under petty regulations for too long.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Becoming angry and expressing anger
- (almost) burst a blood vessel idiom
- ape
- ballistic
- bananas
- bay for blood idiom
- froth
- get your knickers in a twist idiom
- go ape idiom
- go nuts idiom
- go off the deep end idiom
- go postal idiom
- launch
- lose
- postal
- sharp
- storm
- tempers get frayed idiom
- turn in your grave idiom
- umbrage
- wobbly
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Idiom(s)
be chafing at the bit