Chafe
mediumNegative tonechayf
verb
Definition
To make sore by rubbing; to feel irritation or impatience
Memory hook
CHAFE: like skin chafing from friction — to feel irritated and impatient at restrictions.
Examples
“The rough wool chafed against his skin.”
“She chafed at the restrictive rules imposed by her parents.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The rough wool ______ against his skin.”
Show answer
chafed
Categories
GRE Tip
Chafe is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "irritate" or "vex" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "soothe".
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