scrape
UK: skreɪp | US: skreɪp
vt. to remove something from a surface by rubbing it with a sharp or rough object
vt. to injure or damage the surface of something by rubbing against something rough
n. a slight injury or mark caused by scraping
n. a difficult or awkward situation
The word "scrape" originates from Old Norse skrapa, which meant "to scratch or erase." It entered Middle English with a similar meaning, evolving to describe both the physical act of scratching and the resulting injury or mark. Over time, it also gained figurative uses, such as describing awkward situations ("a scrape"), likely due to the discomfort associated with physical scraping.
She scraped the mud off her boots before entering the house.
The cat scraped its claws against the wooden post.
He fell and scraped his knee on the pavement.
The car’s paint was scraped in the accident.
They managed to get out of the financial scrape with some clever budgeting.