chafe: Meaning and Definition of

chafe

Pronunciation: (chāf), [key]
— v., n. chafed, chaf•ing,
—v.t.
  1. to wear or abrade by rubbing: He chafed his shoes on the rocks.
  2. to make sore by rubbing: Her collar chafed her neck.
  3. to irritate; annoy: The dripping of the faucet chafed her nerves.
  4. to warm by rubbing: to chafe cold hands.
  5. to heat; make warm.
—v.i.
  1. to become worn or sore from rubbing: His neck began to chafe from the starched collar.
  2. to rub; press with friction: The horse chafed against his stall.
  3. to be irritated or annoyed: He chafed at their constant interruptions.
  4. to become impatient at delay: The work was going very slowly, and he began to chafe at the bit.
—n.
  1. irritation; annoyance.
  2. heat, wear, or soreness caused by rubbing.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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