Definition Synonyms
Definition of fraying - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
stressthe act of causing stress or strain
- The constant fraying of nerves led to a tense atmosphere.
2.
textileprocess of threads coming apart in material
- The fraying of the rope was evident.
Adjective
1.
materialbecoming worn or unravelled at the edges
- The fraying rope needed to be replaced.
2.
nervesbecoming strained or worn out
- Her fraying nerves were evident during the meeting.
Images of fraying
process of threads coming apart in material
Origin of fraying
Old English, frēogan (to free)
Terms with fraying included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
clothing
edge of cloth folded and sewn to prevent fraying
sewing
fold and sew a fabric edge to stop fraying
cut fabric
cut with pinking shears to prevent fraying
sewing
stitch looping over fabric edge to prevent fraying
maritime
lashing the end of a rope to prevent fraying
clothing
sewing with long stitches to prevent fraying
sewing
stitch to prevent fabric edges from fraying
textiles
decorated with zigzag edges to prevent fraying
weaving
edge of fabric preventing fraying
rigging
knot tied to keep rope from slipping or fraying
knotting
type of knot used to prevent a rope from fraying
Examples of fraying in a sentence
Work pressures caused a fraying of tempers. Fraying at the edges made the fabric look worn. The fraying of the old flag was noticeable. She wore a fraying jacket on the hike. The fraying edges of the fabric caught her attention. His fraying patience was tested by the delays.
The fraying atmosphere in the office was palpable.
View all translations of fraying
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:pression, effiloché, ...
- German:Belastung, ausfransend, ...
- Italian:tensione, sfilacciato, ...
- Spanish:estrés, deshilachado, ...
- Portuguese:tensão, desgastado, ...
- Chinese:紧张, 磨损的, ...
- Japanese:ストレス, ほつれた, ...
- Arabic:إِرْهَاقُ الأَعْصَاب, مُهْتَرِئ, ...
- Hebrew:שְׁחִיקָה, נִפְרָם, ...
- Russian:напряжение, изношенный, ...
- Ukrainian:напруження, зношений, ...
- Hindi:तनाव, घिसा, ...
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
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
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, ...
icon to discover related terms: analogies, antonyms, common collocates, words with same roots, umbrella terms… Try with happening or hunch.
icon next to the first example to see two additional options and learn to use new vocabulary naturally.
icon to save words you want to revisit. You can also save a specific meaning by clicking on the