abrasion

noun

abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən 

1

a

: a wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction

b

: irritation

2

: an abraded area of the skin or mucous membrane

Synonyms

• bruise

Examples of abrasion in a Sentence

abrasion of rocks by wind and water

walked away from the auto accident with only minor abrasions

Recent Examples on the Web

Laser sunbursts and clouded fade-outs replace traditional abrasion, showcasing Rimaks’s laundry artistry in a low-impact way. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Oct. 2025

Turning exercise clothing inside out also helps prevent fading as a result of abrasion and dye transfer. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025

The dad suffered head injuries and the daughter reported abrasions from the restraints, police said. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2025

Thankfully, these pants do an excellent job of wicking sweat and precipitation with a stretchy, abrasion-resistant fabric. —Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin abrāsiōn-, abrāsiō, from Latin abrādere "to scrape off" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at abrade

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for abrasion

• caucasian
• equation
• eurasian
• evasion
• invasion
• occasion
• persuasion
• asian
• suasion
• athanasian

Kids Definition

abrasion

noun

abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən 

1

: a rubbing, grinding, or wearing away by friction

2

: a place where the surface has been rubbed or scraped off

an abrasion on her knee

Medical Definition

abrasion

noun

abra·​sion ə-ˈbrā-zhən 

1

: wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction

2

a

: the rubbing or scraping of the surface layer of cells or tissue from an area of the skin or mucous membrane

also : a place so abraded

b

: the mechanical wearing away of the tooth surfaces by chewing