abrade

IPA/əˈbreɪd/
KK[æbrˈed]IPA/əˈbreɪd/

abrade — verb

  • abradepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • abradeshe / she / it
  • abradedpast simple
  • abrading-ing form

1. to gradually damage or destroy the outer layer of a solid surface by scraping or

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to gradually damage or destroy the outer layer of a solid surface by scraping or rubbing it against something hard or rough

例句

Padma's new hiking boots had abraded the skin on both heels by the time she reached the hut.

common collocation: abrade + skin / surface

Two years of sandstorms had abraded the ancient statues until their features were barely visible.

passive: be abraded by [natural force]

同義詞
  • erode

    broader term that can include chemical or water-based wear; abrade is strictly mechanical friction

  • scrape

    more specific to a single forceful action rather than gradual rubbing over time

  • chafe

    used mainly for skin or fabric irritated by repeated rubbing; narrower than abrade

  • grind down

    emphasises pressure and the progressive reduction of material through friction

反義詞
  • smooth

    to make a surface even, which is opposite to the damaging removal of material

  • polish

    to make a surface shiny by rubbing — friction that refines instead of damages

文法句型

abrade + noun phrase (the surface / skin / coating)

be abraded by + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in the passive (be abraded) when the agent — wind, sand, friction — is the focus rather than a person. The object is typically a solid surface: skin, rock, metal, wood, or a coating.

常見錯誤

❌The river abraded the rocks over centuries.
✅The river eroded the rocks over centuries.
💡'abrade' implies mechanical rubbing/friction; 'erode' is preferred for chemical or water-based wearing away.
❌His constant complaining abraded my patience.
✅His constant complaining wore down my patience.
💡The emotional/figurative sense of 'abrade' is rarely used in modern English; use 'wear down' or 'test' instead.