chafe

 
Pronunciation: /tʃeɪf/

verb

  • 1(with reference to a part of the body) make or become sore by rubbing against something: [with object]: the collar chafed his neck [no object]: her arms chafed where the rope bit into them
  • [no object] (of an object) rub abrasively against another: the grommet stops the cable chafing on the metal
  • 2 [with object] rub (a part of the body) to restore warmth or sensation: I chafed her feet and wrapped the blanket round her
  • 3become or make annoyed or impatient because of a restriction or inconvenience: [no object]: the bank chafed at the restrictions imposed upon it [with object]: it chafed him to be confined like this

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] wear or damage caused by rubbing: to prevent chafe the ropes should lie flat
  • 2 archaic a state of annoyance: into what an unprofitable chafe you have put yourself!

Phrases

chafe at the bit

see champ at the bit at champ1

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'make warm'): from Old French chaufer 'make hot', based on Latin calefacere, from calere 'be hot' + facere 'make'