磨
rub; grind; torment; delay
Meanings
6 senses · 30 examplesverb
rub; chafe
Can describe physical friction on skin or repeated rubbing of body parts.
The new shoes rubbed and gave him several big blisters on his feet.
He kept rubbing his chin, seemingly thinking seriously about the problem.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
I persuaded him for half a day, and my lips almost chapped raw from talking so much.
Long-term rubbing has made the doorknob shiny from wear.
The two stones rubbed against each other and surprisingly sparked.
verb
grind; sharpen; polish
Used for processing hard materials like metal, stone, or tools.
He sharpens his kitchen knife every morning to cut vegetables faster and easier.
Calligraphy lovers grind ink on an inkstone to write with a brush.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
The craftsman is grinding glass to turn it into smooth lenses.
As long as you persist, even an iron pestle can be ground into a needle.
This machine can grind stones to make building materials.
verb
torment; afflict
Describes long-term physical or mental suffering caused by illness, hardship, etc.
This bad cold tormented him so much that he had no strength even to walk.
Long-term debt pressure tormented him and left him haggard.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Years of illness wore away his former vitality.
After being afflicted by illness for three years, he finally passed away.
This defeat stripped away his pride and arrogance.
verb
pester; nag; wear out
informalUsed to describe someone who repeatedly asks for something or delays with trivial matters.
This kid is so pestering, he insists I buy him a toy.
He nagged me for half a day and finally got me to agree to take him to the amusement park.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Stop pestering me, I'll finish my homework right away.
The little grandson wore his mom down, so she had to agree to buy him ice cream.
He always badgers the teacher to explain a few more practice problems.
verb
wear away; erase; endure
formalOften used in formal or literary contexts to describe things that last through time.
This hero's deeds will never be erased through centuries, and will always be remembered by later generations.
The passage of time smoothed away the sharp edges of his youth.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
The dust of history erased many traces on the ancient city wall.
Some traditional crafts will not lose their luster over time.
Years of separation did not wear away the friendship between them.
verb
dilly-dally; waste time
informalOften used in negative or critical contexts to describe wasting time without doing useful work.
Stop dawdling here, hurry up and finish the work.
He always likes to kill time, putting off simple tasks until the last minute.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Both sides in the negotiation are dragging their feet to fight for more benefits.
Don't waste time, the train is about to depart.
He dragged his feet all afternoon before finishing this report.