abrading
/əˈbreɪdɪŋ/
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 a surface through friction
Describes gradually removing or damaging the outer layer of a material through repeated rubbing, scraping, grinding, or abrasive contact.
Synonyms
- eroding
- wearing away
- scraping
- scouring
- grinding
- rasping
- corrading
- sandpapering
- sandblasting
Antonyms
- polishing
- smoothing
- waxing
Examples
- The sandpaper was effective at abrading the surface of the wood, preparing it for painting.
- The glacier moved slowly, gradually abrading the mountainside as it advanced.
- Years of exposure to wind and water had resulted in the rocks becoming smooth and abrading along the shoreline.
- The repetitive motion of the machine was slowly abrading the metal, creating a polished finish.
Related Words
- corroding
- fraying
- scuffing
- scratching
- shaving
- filing
1.2. Scraping or irritating skin through friction
Describes repeated rubbing or scraping that damages the skin or causes soreness, irritation, or superficial injury.
Synonyms
- chafing
- scraping
- scratching
- grazing
- excoriating
- flaying
- skinning
- contusing
- bruising
Antonyms
Examples
- The constant rubbing of the rough fabric was abrading the skin on his elbows.
Related Words
- lacerating
- peeling
- rubbing
- scuffing
- inflaming
VERB
2. To wear down or exhaust; irritate
To gradually weaken, exhaust, or irritate someone through persistent pressure, strain, 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
- wearing down
- wearing out
- frazzling
- fatiguing
- enervating
- enfeebling
- draining
- sapping
- tiring
- weakening
Antonyms
- refreshing
- revitalizing
- soothing
- strengthening
Related Words
- debilitating
- exhausting
- depleting
- harassing
- demoralizing
- wearying
2.2. Causing persistent irritation or annoyance
Describes repeatedly irritating, annoying, or frustrating someone through unpleasant behavior or persistent pressure.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Words
- aggravating
- exasperating
- vexing
- annoying
- discomforting
VERB
3. To cause a surface to become more rough
To make the surface of something rougher through rubbing, scraping, or abrasive treatment.
3.1. Roughening a material's surface
Describes making a previously smoother surface rough or uneven through friction, scraping, or abrasive treatment.
Synonyms
- roughening
- scratching
- scuffing
- scouring
- rasping
- grinding
- filing
- sandpapering
Antonyms
- smoothing
- polishing
- softening
Related Words
- honing
- sharpening
- shaving
- sandblasting
VERB
4. To undergo abrasion
To become worn, scraped, or damaged through friction or repeated contact with another surface.
4.1. Experiencing wear through friction
Describes a material or surface gradually deteriorating as a result of repeated rubbing, scraping, or abrasive contact.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- polishing
- smoothing
- waxing
Related Words
- decomposing
- disintegrating
- dissolving
- weakening