chapped
Definition
Adjective Used to describe skin that has become rough, dry, and often cracked or fissured, typically as a result of exposure to cold, dry air, wind, or other harsh conditions.
Usage and Examples
The adjective chapped is used to describe the condition of skin, most commonly on the lips or hands.
- Example 1: Her chapped lips were sore and bleeding from the winter wind.
- Example 2: After a day of gardening without gloves, his hands became dry and chapped.
- Example 3: Using a good moisturizer can help prevent your skin from getting chapped in the cold weather.
Advanced Usage
- To be/get chapped: This is the most common construction to describe the state or process of the skin becoming rough.
- Example: My skin always gets chapped when I travel to very dry climates.
- Chapped can sometimes be used informally to describe a state of irritation or annoyance.
- Example (informal): He was really chapped about missing the meeting. (Note: This is a slang extension of the core meaning related to irritation, akin to being "rubbed the wrong way.")
Variants and Related Words
- Chap (verb): The action of causing skin to become rough and cracked.
- Example: The cold wind will chap your skin if you're not careful.
- Chapping (noun/gerund): The process or result of skin becoming chapped.
- Example: Chapping is a common problem during ski season.
Synonyms
- Cracked: Having lines on the surface, often due to dryness.
- Dry: Lacking moisture.
- Rough: Having an uneven or irregular surface.
- Fissured: Split or cracked, often used for more severe cases.
Antonyms
- Smooth: Having an even and regular surface.
- Soft: Easy to mold, cut, or compress; not rough.
- Moisturized: Having moisture restored or maintained.
Related Phrases
- Chapped lips: The most common specific use of the term.
- Example: She applied balm to her chapped lips.
Adjective
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used of skin roughened as a result of cold or exposure
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chapped lips
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