chafe
verb (used with object)
to wear or abrade by rubbing.
have chafed
-
present perfectof chafe.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Although many Gambians have chafed at his bid for a third term, he was seen as the country's most viable candidate until the recent electric problems.
From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026
European capitals have chafed at being left on the sidelines in the U.S. talks with Russia and Ukraine over ending the war.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 3, 2025
Charter, DirecTV and other distribution executives have chafed at Disney’s efforts to bypass distributors to offer its programming directly to consumers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2024
He was said to have chafed that Seattle had not advanced past the divisional round of the playoffs in his last seven seasons after advancing to the Super Bowl in his second and third seasons.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 4, 2024
For all his courtesy to Agrippa, he knew that the latter was but a vassal king, and may have chafed at Paul's addressing him exclusively.
From Expositions of Holy Scripture: the Acts by Alexander Maclaren
