chafe
verb (used with object)
to wear or abrade by rubbing.
had chafed
-
past perfectof chafe.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
For decades, he had chafed against the 78’s constraints, occasionally recording two- or four-sided works and in concert letting pieces unfold over dozens of minutes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 16, 2026
Earlier, under more friendly questioning from prosecutors, Davidson had chafed a little, at one point rejecting the term “hush money” for his preferred word for a payment for a client’s silence.
From New York Times ● May 2, 2024
When Spain and Portugal regulated their economies, Latin American merchants had chafed at restrictions, but these regulations had also heavily taxed foreign-made goods, which protected local handicraft industries.
From Textbooks ● Dec. 14, 2022
Amid the bitter cold wind on the bow, a hydraulic line snaking up a second smaller crane had chafed and cracked, sucking in water.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 3, 2022
Back in the Planky Town Quentyn had played the wineseller, but the mummery had chafed at him, so when the Domishmen changed ships at Lys they had changed roles as well.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
