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MW→occasionally
Antonyms
casual freewheeling informal irregular unceremonious unconventional unorthodox
chafe
verb
ˈchāf
chafed; chaf​ing

Definition (Entry 1 of 2)

  • transitive ​verb
  • irritate, vex //The noise of the children playing chafed her.
  • to warm by rubbing especially with the hands
  • to rub so as to wear away abrade //the strap chafed his skin //The boat chafed its sides against the dock.
    to make sore by or as if by rubbing //The tight collar chafed his neck.
  • intransitive ​verb
  • to feel irritation, discontent, or impatience fret //chafes at the rules
  • to rub and thereby cause wear or irritation //The baby's skin chafes if the strap is too tight.
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 2)

  • a state of vexation rage //… the cardinal in a state of chafe sent for him … — William Camden
  • injury or wear caused by friction //Gloves provide protection against chafe.
    also friction, rubbing
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Verb
abrade excoriate fret gall irritate
Examples
Verb
  • //When the strap is too tight, it chafes the baby's skin.
  • //If my boots aren't laced up tight they chafe.
occasionally — MW · Shobdo