Chafes Meaning in English
word · lemma: chafe
Definition
'Chafes' means something rubs against your skin and causes irritation or soreness. It can also mean someone feels annoyed by rules or limits.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used about physical discomfort from friction (skin, clothes, shoes). Also appears in a more formal or literary way to describe being irritated by rules or control: "He chafes at authority." Common collocations: "chafes against", "chafes at" (for annoyance), "shirt chafes my neck" (for physical).
Example Sentences
My backpack chafes my shoulders when I walk for a long time.
basic
This shirt chafes my neck.
basic
Tight shoes often cause chafes on the feet.
basic
He chafes at being told what to do all the time.
natural
The collar on this jacket really chafes after a while.
natural
She chafes under strict rules at her new job.
natural