In this English vocabulary question on synonyms, out of the given options choose the word that best expresses the meaning of "Chafe".

Introduction / Context:
The word "Chafe" is often used in English to describe both a physical and an emotional reaction. This question asks you to find the synonym that best matches its meaning. In competitive exams and reading comprehension, recognising common verbs like chafe helps you understand subtle shades of annoyance or friction in texts, especially in descriptive and narrative passages.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Target word: Chafe. - Options: Chain, Safe, Irritate, Joy, Comfort. - We must select the closest meaning in normal usage.

Concept / Approach:
Chafe has two related senses. Literally, it means to make a part of the body sore by rubbing, for example when shoes chafe your heels. Figuratively, it means to feel annoyed, irritated, or impatient, especially because of restriction or delay. In order to choose the correct synonym, we must look for a word that captures this feeling of irritation or annoyance. Words which mean safety, happiness, or comfort will not match this negative sense.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the substitution method in example sentences. "The rough collar began to chafe his neck" can be rewritten as "The rough collar began to irritate his neck." Both sentences describe physical discomfort caused by rubbing. In a figurative sentence like "She began to chafe at the strict rules," we can say "She began to feel irritated by the strict rules." Again, irritate fits smoothly, confirming that it is the correct synonym. None of the other options fit naturally in these contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Chain refers to an object or the act of tying something with chains, not irritation. Safe describes security and protection, which is unrelated to the concept of rubbing or annoyance. Joy is a strong positive emotion and is almost the opposite of being irritated. Comfort is a pleasant state of ease and therefore conflicts with the discomfort suggested by chafe. Since the question asks for a synonym of chafe, all these non matching words must be rejected.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse chafe with chaff or chase because they look or sound similar. Chaff is the husk of grains or sometimes playful teasing, and chase means to run after. Neither of these are correct here. Another pitfall is selecting a word just because it rhymes or looks similar. In vocabulary questions, always prioritise meaning over sound or spelling similarities.

Final Answer:
The word that best expresses the meaning of "Chafe" is "Irritate", so the correct answer is Irritate.