chafe
verb (used with object)
to wear or abrade by rubbing.
chafes
-
present tense formof chafe (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Saudi Arabia still chafes at the limits to its influence with the White House.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 21, 2025
Pimples or a rash in the area of the breasts or on the upper back, caused by a bra that chafes, is not clean or is made of material that is allergenic or not breathable.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 20, 2024
Which is why Meacham, gliding about Washington with an above-the-fray arrogance and the gumption to hoard credit, chafes.
From Slate ● Mar. 3, 2023
North’s performance chafes in vain against the material’s ick factor, to curious and frustrating ends.
From New York Times ● Mar. 3, 2023
He chafes at the idea of going back to the Netherlands.
From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman
