Abrasion (6)
I believe the answer is:
scrape
'abrasion' is the definition.
(synonyms)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for scrape that I've seen before include "embarassing situation" , "Bow and . . . . . ., to be servile" , "Rub; (bow and) be humble" , "Scratch the surface in a predicament" , "Awkward situation - be very economical" .)