English dictionary



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English noun: chafe

1. chafe (state) soreness and warmth caused by friction


SamplesHe had a nasty chafe on his knee.


Broader (hypernym)rawness, soreness, tenderness

2. chafe (feeling) anger produced by some annoying irritation


Synonymsannoyance, vexation


Broader (hypernym)anger, choler, ire


Narrower (hyponym)aggravation, displeasure, exasperation, frustration, harassment, irritation, pique, temper, torment


English verb: chafe

1. chafe (perception) become or make sore by or as if by rubbing


Synonymsfret, gall


Pattern of useSomething ----s.
Somebody ----s something.
Something ----s somebody.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)irritate

2. chafe (emotion) feel extreme irritation or anger


SamplesHe was chafing at her suggestion that he stay at home while she went on a vacation.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s


Broader (hypernym)experience, feel


Verb groupannoy, bother, chafe, devil, get at, get to, gravel, irritate, nark, nettle, rag, rile, vex

3. chafe (emotion) cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations


SamplesMosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me.
It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves.


Synonymsannoy, bother, devil, get at, get to, gravel, irritate, nark, nettle, rag, rile, vex


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)displease


Narrower (hyponym)antagonise, antagonize, beset, chevvy, chevy, chivvy, chivy, eat into, fret, fret, get, get under one's skin, grate, harass, harry, hassle, molest, peeve, plague, provoke, rankle, ruffle


Verb groupchafe

4. chafe (contact) tear or wear off the skin or make sore by abrading


SamplesThis leash chafes the dog's neck.


Synonymsexcoriate


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)abrade, abrase, corrade, rub down, rub off

5. chafe (contact) cause friction


SamplesMy sweater scratches.


Synonymsfray, fret, rub, scratch


Pattern of useSomething ----s.
Something is ----ing PP.
Something ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)adjoin, contact, meet, touch

6. chafe (change) warm by rubbing, as with the hands


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)warm









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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