chafe
verb (used with object)
to wear or abrade by rubbing.
had been chafing
-
past perfect progressiveof chafe.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
The U.S. moves came as a relief to Chinese leaders, who had been chafing at the slow pace of practical cooperation with the U.S.
From Time Magazine Archive
To East Berliners, who had been chafing in the gloom of empty shops and echoing streets, the sight of bright, gift-laden visitors seared like acid.
From Time Magazine Archive
For a week he had been chafing at the doctor’s orders that no boy should go beyond the bounds.
From The Cock-House at Fellsgarth by Talbot Baines Reed
The policeman half started up, and in his indignation almost crushed one of the little hands that he had been chafing.
From The Old Homestead by Ann S. (Ann Sophia) Stephens
They had been chafing throughout the running of the gantlet as they stood beside their beloved but idle piece.
From The Riflemen of the Ohio A Story of the Early Days along "The Beautiful River" by Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler
