Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb Simple past tense and past participle of chafe.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective painful from having the skin abraded

Etymologies

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Examples

  • In 1882, Mark Twain chafed at the expense of sending large manuscripts through the mail, a hardship remedied these days by digital files.

    Mourn Snail Mail? No Way. Danny Heitman 2010

  • He fiercely fought for his artistic freedom, creating the so-called "outlaw" movement - a term he chafed under - that would eventually envelop artists like Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.

    The Seattle Times 2012

  • Once in the Justice Department, she proved an able cog in the Bush administration's political machine, meeting with Republican activists in 2006 to help plot the firing of New Mexico's prestigious US Attorney David Iglesias, a fellow Republican who "chafed" against administration initiatives.

    Max Blumenthal: Monica Goodling, One of 150 Pat Robertson Cadres in the Bush Administration 2008

  • I found the Academy to have a lot of extra rules and regulations, and it kind of chafed me.

    ‘ “Mercenary” Is a Slanderous Term’ 2007

  • I found the academy to have a lot of extra rules and regulations, and it kind of chafed me.

    ‘Mercenary Is a Slanderous Term’ 2007

  • In early August, as GM prepared for its post-bankruptcy IPO, the board sought a multiyear commitment from its then-CEO and chairman, Edward E. Whitacre Jr. Instead, Mr. Whitacre, who had chafed at government control of GM, said he would step down.

    'I'm Not a Car Guy': On the Road With the New Man at GM's Wheel Monica Langley 2011

  • Though Greeks have chafed under austerity measures, recent polls show the majority of the country's population wants to retain the euro.

    Tour Operator Sparks Greek-Currency Row Vanessa Fuhrmans 2011

  • Some senior regulators have chafed at the growing clout that Bank of England officials already wield, according to recently departed officials.

    UBS to Test U.K. Regulator David Enrich 2011

  • My chafed nipples ache against my now saturated shirt.

    Rewound. Jamie Sughroue 2011

  • Although he chafed at times at her uncomforting honesty, he knew it was the thing—sometimes the only thing—that kept them from losing forever the authenticity they had once believed incorruptible.

    O: A Presidential Novel Anonymous 2011

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