What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
excoriation
Example
The excoriation on her arm was caused by her constant scratching. [excoriation: noun]
Example
The journalist's article was an excoriation of the government's policies. [excoriation: noun]
Example
The doctor had to excoriate the dead skin before applying the ointment. [excoriate: verb]
abrasion
Example
He suffered an abrasion on his knee after falling off his bike. [abrasion: noun]
Example
The sandpaper created an abrasion on the wood surface. [abrasion: noun]
Example
She had to abrasion the rust off the metal before painting it. [abrasion: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abrasion is more commonly used than excoriation in everyday language. Abrasion is versatile and can be used to describe injuries on various surfaces, while excoriation is less common and is more likely to be used in medical or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between excoriation and abrasion?
Excoriation is typically associated with a more formal tone, especially when used in medical contexts. Abrasion is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.