to become or make something become sore or worn by rubbing, to feel annoyed or impatient because of a restriction or inconvenience

chafe at the bit, chafe someone's hide, chafe under the collar

Formal and Informal Expressions of chafe

In different contexts, you can replace 'chafe' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'irritate, annoy' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bug, get on someone's nerves' is a commonplace synonym.

chafe: Explore its Definition & Usage

chafe Definition

1to become or make something become sore or worn by rubbing
2to feel annoyed or impatient because of a restriction or inconvenience

Using chafe: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "chafe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The tight shoes chafed his feet.
Example
The rough fabric chafed against her skin.
Example
He chafed under the restrictions imposed on him by his parents.
Example
She chafed at the delay caused by the traffic jam.
Example
The constant criticism began to chafe on her nerves.

chafe Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for chafe

Antonyms for chafe

Phrases with chafe

chafe at the bit
to be impatient or restless because of a delay or restriction
Example
The athletes were chafing at the bit, eager to start the race.
chafe someone's hide
to irritate or annoy someone
Example
His constant complaining was really chafing my hide.
chafe under the collar
to feel angry or irritated about something
Example
He was chafing under the collar about the way he had been treated.

Origins of chafe

from Old English 'ceafian', meaning 'to heat, warm'

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Summary: chafe in Brief

The verb 'chafe' [tʃeɪf] means to rub and cause soreness or irritation, or to feel annoyed or impatient due to a restriction or inconvenience. Examples include 'The tight shoes chafed his feet,' and 'She chafed at the delay caused by the traffic jam.' Phrases like 'chafe at the bit' and 'chafe someone's hide' denote impatience and irritation, respectively.