abrades
/əˈbreɪdz/
VERB
1. To rub or wear off; erode
To gradually remove or damage the surface of something through friction, rubbing, or scraping.
1.1. Wearing away surfaces through friction
Describes gradually removing or damaging the outer layer of a material through repeated rubbing, scraping, grinding, or abrasive contact.
Synonyms
- erodes
- wears away
- scrapes
- scours
- grinds
- rasps
- corrades
- sandpapers
- sandblasts
Antonyms
- polishes
- smooths
- smoothes
- waxes
Examples
- Over time, harsh weather conditions can gradually abrade the exterior of buildings.
Related Words
1.2. Scraping or injuring skin and body tissue
Describes damaging skin or bodily tissue through rubbing, scraping, or abrasive contact, causing soreness, rawness, or superficial injury.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- softens
- smooths
Examples
- The constant friction from rough fabric can easily abrade the skin.
Related Words
- burns
- peels
- irritates
- inflames
- wounds
VERB
2. To wear down or exhaust; irritate
To gradually weaken, exhaust, or irritate someone through persistent pressure, friction, or unpleasant experiences.
2.1. Exhausting or weakening someone
Describes gradually depleting someone's physical energy, patience, or emotional resilience through prolonged strain or persistent difficulties.
Synonyms
Related Words
- debilitates
- exhausts
- depletes
- harasses
- wastes
2.2. Causing persistent irritation or annoyance
Describes repeatedly irritating, annoying, or frustrating someone until they become uncomfortable, impatient, or emotionally worn down.
Synonyms
- chafes
- galls
- frets
- grates
- irritates
- annoys
Antonyms
- soothes
- softens
Related Words
VERB
3. To irritate by rubbing; chafe
To cause soreness, discomfort, or irritation through repeated friction against the skin or another surface.
3.1. Causing irritation through repeated friction
Describes rubbing against a surface in a way that causes discomfort, soreness, or irritation, particularly to the skin.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- soothes
- softens
Examples
- The constant friction from rough fabric can easily abrade the skin.
Related Words
- rubs
- grazes
- scratches
- inflames
VERB
4. To cause a surface to become rough
To make the surface of something rougher by rubbing, scraping, or applying an abrasive action.
4.1. Roughening a material's surface
Describes making a previously smoother surface rough or uneven through friction, scraping, or abrasive treatment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- polishes
- smooths
- smoothes
Related Words
- sandpapers
- sandblasts
- hones
- shaves
VERB
5. To undergo abrasion
To become worn, scraped, or damaged through friction or repeated contact with another surface.
5.1. Experiencing wear through friction
Describes a material or surface gradually deteriorating as a result of repeated rubbing, scraping, or abrasive contact.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- polishes
- smooths
- waxes
Related Words
- decomposes
- disintegrates
- dissolves
- weakens