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Definition of abrade

abrade

/əˈbreɪd/
a · brade
Adverb:abrasively
•
Adjective:abrasive
•
Past Simple:abraded
•
Past Participle:abraded
•
Present Participle:abrading
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abrade Lexical Profile

abrade Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To scrape or wear away by friction or erosion.

Example

"Over centuries, windblown sand had abraded the inscriptions on the ancient monument."

2

To wear down or irritate in spirit or patience.

Example

"Months of constant delays and administrative hurdles began to abrade the team's morale."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for abrade

• Nearby Words

aboveground
abovementioned
abracadabra
abrade
abram
abrasion
abrasive

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 17th century from Latin abradere ('to scrape off'), formed from ab- ('away, off') and radere ('to scrape'), which is also the root of 'erase' and 'razor'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Abrade. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/abrade
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