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chafe definition

chafe (c̸hāf)

transitive verb chafed, chafing chaf′·ing

  1. to rub so as to stimulate or make warm
  2. to wear away by rubbing
  3. to irritate or make sore by rubbing
  4. to annoy; irritate

Etymology: ME chaufen < OFr chaufer, to warm < L calefacere, to make warm: see calefacient

intransitive verb

  1. to rub (on or against)
  2. to be or become vexed, irritated, or impatient

noun

  1. an injury or irritation caused by rubbing
  2. Archaic a vexed or annoyed state
chafe Idioms

chafe at the bit

to be impatient or vexed, as because of delay: originally said of horses

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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