# chafing

/ˈtʃeɪfɪŋ/ (US) · /tʃˈeɪfɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chafing
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

sore, red skin caused by skin or clothes rubbing against you again and again.

For teachers: skin irritation or soreness caused by repeated friction, heat, or moisture, often where skin touches skin or clothing.

## Examples

- Tight shoes cause painful chafing on long walks.
- The marathon runner applies anti-chafe balm to prevent chafing during the race in hot weather.
- Persistent chafing under the backpack straps forced her to adjust the fit and add padding before the multi-day hike through humid forest.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.