fray¹ Definition
fray (frā)
transitive verb
Archaic to frighten
Etymology: ME fraien
fray² Definition
fray (frā)
transitive verb, intransitive verb
- to make or become worn, ragged, or raveled by rubbing
- to make or become weakened or strained
Etymology: ME fraien < OFr freier < L fricare, to rub: see friction
noun
a frayed place, as in cloth
fray Synonyms
fray Synonyms
fray Usage Examples
Object
- temper: All of these factors can result in frayed tempers from time to time.
- nerve: Maybe a little safety will calm their frayed nerves.
- rope: The other rope frayed up his hair and tied himself in a knot.
- edge: Checked regularly for signs of damage, such as frayed edges and scorch marks.
- wire: Any worn or frayed wires or wires with degrading insulation should be replaced or repaired.
- cable: Another had a badly frayed cable, also exposing live wires.
Converse of object
- re-enter: But on 15 May, the company announced it was re-entering the fray with the Parhelia-512, a new, high-performance 3D graphics chip.
- rejoin: On lap seven Marshall had a moment on the approach to Radar and stopped before rejoining the fray.
- enter: Thought I would enter the fray with a few thoughts on the question of banning smoking.
- join: Whole groups of people can join the fray all from the safety of their own terminal.
Preposition: at
- edge: We are not flash We are not new We are worn and frayed at the edges.
- end: The writing implement used by the Egyptians was a reed, frayed at the end, to form a brush.
Adjective modifier
political: Now he has been given a fortnight's unpaid leave to return to the political fray.
Modifying Another Word
- slightly: The edges of each tiny hole are slightly frayed.
- badly: Very badly frayed or damaged ropes should be discarded.
- somewhat: He was wearing a plain, somewhat frayed suit of gray clothes.
- little: City's discipline was beginning to get a little frayed.
- n't: Make sure the belts are n't frayed or the buckles cracked.
- very: That promise is looking very frayed around the edges.
Preposition: in
place: Condition: The satin is torn and frayed in many places, the heels and vamp are good.
Browse dictionary entries near fray
- ‹ fraxinella
- ‹ Fraunhofer lines
- ‹ fraught
- ‹ fraudulent financial reporting
- ‹ fraudulent conveyance
- ‹ fraudulent concealment
- ‹ fraudulent
- ‹ fraud
- ‹ Frau
- ‹ fratricide
- Frayne,Trent ›
- Frazer ›
- frazil ›
- frazil (ice) ›
- frazzle ›
- freak ›
- freak show ›
- freaking ›
- freakish ›
- freakout ›

