égratigner

Senses

1. 1.

   to scratch

   to make a shallow cut or mark on a surface with something sharp

2. 2.

   to scrape

   to graze or lightly wound the skin

3. 3.

   to wound slightly (figuratively)

   to hurt someone's feelings or pride mildly

Examples

• "Le chat a égratigne mon bras."

  The cat scratched my arm.

• "Elle s'est égratignée en tombant sur les cailloux."

  She scraped herself when she fell on the rocks.

• "Cette critique l'a légèrement égratignée."

  This criticism wounded her pride slightly.

Usage

Regular -er verb. Often used reflexively (s'égratigner) to mean "to scratch oneself." In informal contexts, can also mean to offend or upset someone mildly. Synonym: rayer (for objects); blesser (for feelings).