Definition of fray - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
conflictfight or scuffle
- The two sides were drawn into a fray at the protest..
2.
wearwearing out of fabric edge
- The constant rubbing caused a fray on the sleeve..
3.
activityRare exciting or challenging activityRare
- He jumped into the fray of the competition.
Verb
1.
fabrictr./intr. unravel or come apart at the edgestr./intr.
- The old sweater started to fray at the cuffs.
2.
tensionintr. become strained or irritatedintr.
- Her patience started to fray after the long wait.
3.
straintr. Rare cause to become strained or tensetr. Rare
- The endless negotiations started to fray his patience..
Images of fray
wearing out of fabric edge
Expressions with fray
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make someone feel very nervous or irritated
The loud noise began to fray her nerves.
become involved in a conflict or fight
He decided to join the fray to support his friends.
cause stress or irritation to someone
Working night shifts for weeks—this can fray the nerves.
remaining uninvolved in conflicts or disputes
She stayed above the fray during the heated debate.
make someone easily annoyed or lose patience
The constant construction outside his window began to fray his temper badly.
actively involved in a conflict or intense situation
She jumped in the fray to defend her friend.
enter a busy or chaotic situation quickly
She decided to jump into the fray and help out.
prepared to engage in a conflict or competition
The team was ready for the fray at the championship.
go back into a difficult or competitive situation
After lunch, the team returned to the fray.
join a fight or argument
He decided to enter the fray to defend his friend.
the competitive environment of politics
She decided to enter the political fray.
Origin of fray
Middle English, frayen (to frighten)
Examples of fray in a sentence
He jumped into the fray without hesitation. The old jeans had a fray at the bottom. A fray appeared on the edge of the tablecloth. The debate was a fray of ideas and opinions. She entered the fray with enthusiasm and determination. The edges of the fabric began to fray after washing.
The rope will fray if not properly sealed. The conversation began to fray as tensions rose. His temper would fray under pressure. The constant noise began to fray her nerves. His temper started to fray after hours of waiting.
View all translations of fray
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:mêlée, s'effilocher, ...
- German:Schlägerei, ausfransen, ...
- Italian:zuffa, sfilacciarsi, ...
- Spanish:riña, deshilacharse, ...
- Portuguese:briga, desfiar, ...
- Chinese:争斗, 解开, ...
- Japanese:争い, ほつれる, ...
- Arabic:شِجَار, تهرَّأَ, ...
- Hebrew:קְטָטָה, לְהִיפָּרֵם, ...
- Russian:драка, распускаться, ...
- Ukrainian:бійка, розпускатися, ...
- Hindi:झड़प, उधड़ना, ...
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