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fray

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To fray is defined as when something becomes worn or unraveled, especially cloth.

(verb)

An example of to fray is playing with the end of a sweater while nervous.

To fray means to become irritated.

(verb)

An example of to fray is drumming on the table in front of someone who dislikes that sound.

Fray is defined as a noisy struggle or fight.

(noun)

An example of a fray is a family argument.

See fray in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a noisy quarrel or fight; brawl

Origin: ME frai, aphetic < affrai, affray

transitive verb

Archaic to frighten

Origin: ME fraien

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to make or become worn, ragged, or raveled by rubbing
to make or become weakened or strained

Origin: ME fraien < OFr freier < L fricare, to rub: see friction

noun

a frayed place, as in cloth

See fray in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A scuffle; a brawl. See Synonyms at brawl.
A heated dispute or contest.

transitive verb frayed, fray·ing, frays
Archaic

To alarm; frighten.
To drive away.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English frai

Origin: , shortening of affrai; see affray

verb frayed, fray·ing, frays

verb, transitive

To strain; chafe: repeated noises that fray the nerves.
To wear away (the edges of fabric, for example) by rubbing.

verb, intransitive

To become worn away or tattered along the edges.

noun

A frayed or threadbare spot, as on fabric.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English fraien, to wear, bruise

Origin: , from Old French fraier, to rub

Origin: , from Latin fricāre

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