abrade

verb

ə-ˈbrād 

abraded; abrading

transitive verb

1

a

: to rub or wear away especially by friction : erode

b

: to irritate or roughen by rubbing

2

: to wear down in spirit : irritate, weary

intransitive verb

: to undergo abrasion

abradable

ə-ˈbrā-də-bəl 

adjective

abrader noun

Synonyms of abrade

• erode
• wear
• fray

Examples of abrade in a Sentence

ropes abraded by the rocks were a huge danger to the climbers

the prisoner's manacles abraded his wrists and ankles until they bled

Recent Examples on the Web

Softer rubber can produce stronger traction but may abrade more quickly, while harder compounds tend to last longer at the expense of grip. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Mondal’s voice, higher in the mix, but still rough, abraded, and uncompromising, sits at the center of the band’s delightful dissonance. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 20 Aug. 2026

Prior to snapping its selfie, the rover had just finished abrading the rocky Arethusa outcrop. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 May 2026

Diatomaceous earth is an organic compound that kills ants by drying out and abrading their bodies. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 3 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin abrādere "to remove by rubbing, scrape off," from ab- ab- + rādere "to scrape" — more at rase

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for abrade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

abrade

verb

ə-ˈbrād 

abraded; abrading

1

: to rub or wear away especially by friction

2

: to irritate or roughen by rubbing

abrader noun

Medical Definition

abrade

transitive verb

ə-ˈbrād 

abraded; abrading

: to irritate or roughen by rubbing : chafe