chafe

UK: tʃeɪf | US: tʃeɪf

Definition
  1. vt. to irritate or wear away by rubbing

  2. vi. to feel irritated or impatient

  3. n. soreness or irritation caused by friction

Structure
chaf <to warm or rub>e <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "chafe" traces back to Old French chaufer (to warm or heat), derived from Latin calefacere (to make warm), combining *cale<heat> + facere<to make>. Over time, the meaning shifted from literal heating to the figurative sense of irritation caused by friction or rubbing. The modern sense retains both physical (rubbing soreness) and emotional (impatience) dimensions.

Examples
  1. The tight collar began to chafe his neck after hours of wear.

  2. She chafed at the strict rules imposed by her new school.

  3. Wool socks can chafe if they’re not properly fitted.

  4. His constant criticism chafed her pride.

  5. The rope chafed against the edge of the dock during the storm.