chafed

Irritated by friction

Chafed describes skin that has become sore, raw, or irritated from repeated rubbing or friction.

Runners often get chafed thighs, and ill-fitting shoes leave feet chafed and blistered.

The word extends to emotional irritation as well: someone chafed by constant criticism feels worn down and annoyed by it.

He was visibly chafed by the delay.

If you chafe at restrictions or rules, you feel restless and resentful under them.

skin

raw

In original state

sorePainful or annoyed
tenderSoft or sore
inflamedProvoked or medically irritated

reddened · painful · blistered · irritated · sensitive · burning · stinging · smarting · peeling · weeping

emotional

irritated

Slightly angered or bothered

annoyedMildly vexed
exasperatedIntensely irritated, patience gone
vexedAnnoyed or much-debated

agitated · galled · nettled · irked · bothered · resentful · indignant · provoked · disgruntled · peeved

friction

rubbing

Applying pressure while moving

scrapingRubbing away material
gratingCrossed bars or harsh
raspingHarsh and grating

grinding · wear · abrasion · blistering · fretting · resistance · chaffing · eroding · coarse · galling

Categories

offendedoffended, insulted, slighted, affronted, indignant
speech verbssaid, says, asked, answered, replied
worn downeroded, abraded, weathered, worn thin, wind worn
woundswound, wounded, bullet wound, wounds, ulcer

Opposites

physical skin condition

Calmed or comforted

smoothed · healed · comfortable · painless · protected

emotional state

chafedcalmed

Made tranquil

soothed · placated · appeased · pacified · contented

Phrases

chafing dishHeated vessel for serving
chafing dishesHeated serving containers

Family

chafe, chafing, chafes

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G