Chafing

Chafing, in a physical context, describes the irritation of the skin caused by repeated friction. This friction can arise from clothing rubbing against the skin, skin rubbing against skin, or even exposure to harsh environmental elements like wind and sand. The resulting discomfort can range from mild redness and itching to more severe inflammation, blistering, and pain. Beyond its physical application, "chafing" can also metaphorically represent frustration, annoyance, or impatience, particularly in contexts involving difficult situations, constraints, or delays. This extension of meaning highlights a sense of being worn down or irritated by persistent obstacles.

Chafing meaning with examples

• After running a marathon, Sarah experienced painful chafing on her inner thighs, likely caused by her running shorts. She applied a soothing balm to reduce the irritation. She learned from the experience, and next time she'd be prepared with anti-chafing shorts or lubricant. The chafing prevented her from wanting to run again for several weeks until it cleared.
• The new hiking boots, despite their comfortable appearance, caused severe chafing on Mark's heels after the first day's trek. He regretted not breaking them in beforehand, which caused painful blisters and hampered his ability to continue the hike. He needed to apply blister plasters before moving on, but this also caused chafing. This situation called for a new strategy for future hikes.
• The seam on her new swimsuit caused chafing around her waist, ruining a day at the beach. She realized the importance of testing new clothing before important events. The material felt rough and caused her skin to redden. It was an annoyance, but it made her realize that she should not wear it at all and replace it with a more reliable design.
• The constant rubbing of his backpack straps led to chafing on John's shoulders after hours of trekking through the wilderness. His skin was red and sore. He considered adjusting the straps, but he realised that no matter what they would be, his skin would still be chafed. He had to consider the material of clothing he was wearing.
• Riding his bike for long periods, the cyclist battled chafing on his seat due to the constant pressure and friction of the saddle. He had to take many breaks and add padded shorts, but it was still difficult to maintain his pace due to the discomfort. He then made the decision to wear padded cycling shorts.