chafe crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "chafe," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "chafe crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
RUB: To abrade or cause friction against something, often leading to irritation.
IRK: To annoy or irritate, similar to the figurative meaning of chafe.
4 Letters
GALL: To make sore by rubbing, or to irritate a person's feelings.
SORE: The resulting state of being painful or aching from chafing.
5 Letters
GRATE: To scrape or rub against, causing irritation, or to annoy.
6 Letters
ABRADE: To scrape or wear away by rubbing or friction.
8 Letters
IRRITATE: To cause annoyance or discomfort, whether physically or emotionally.
9 Letters
EXCORIATE: To severely criticize, or to damage or remove part of the surface of the skin by rubbing.
More About "chafe crossword clue"
"Chafe" is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing with both its literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to the irritation caused by rubbing, such as skin chafing from clothes or shoes. Figuratively, it describes the feeling of annoyance or irritation, often from a restriction or an unpleasant situation. Understanding both nuances is key to solving clues that use this word.
Crossword setters love to play on these dual meanings. A clue like "Rub raw" would clearly point to the literal sense, while "Irritate" could suggest either. Pay close attention to surrounding words in the clue for context, as they often provide hints to which meaning is intended. The length of the answer is also a crucial factor, helping you narrow down possibilities from the answers provided above.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For words like "chafe," think broadly about what it means and what words are related. Sometimes the answer is a direct synonym, other times it might describe the cause or effect.
- Check word length: Always use the given letter count as your primary filter. Our list organizes answers by length to make this easier for you.
- Look for context clues: Does the clue contain other words that hint at a physical action (e.g., "skin," "friction") or an emotional state (e.g., "annoyance," "bother")? This helps distinguish literal from figurative meanings.
- Use crossing letters: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, use them to quickly identify the correct answer from our list.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "chafe" typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "chafe" often points to answers related to irritation, rubbing, abrading, or causing friction, both literally (skin irritation) and figuratively (annoyance).
Are there common synonyms for "chafe" used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related terms include RUB, GRATE, GALL, IRK, ANNOY, or descriptions of the result like SORE.
How can I distinguish between literal and figurative meanings of "chafe" when solving?
Pay attention to other words in the clue. If the clue mentions "skin," "friction," or "rub raw," it's likely literal. If it mentions "annoy," "bother," or "irritate," it might be figurative. Consider the letter count and available letters.