Meaning & Definition of word "Fret"

to

arrow

    Fret

    /frɛt/

    noun:

    • 1. A state of anxiety or worry.
      • Example: He was in a fret over the delayed flight and missed meetings.
    • 2. A thin strip of wood or metal with raised edges, typically found on a guitar neck.
      • Example: She found it difficult to press down the strings on the fretboard.

    verb:

    • 1. To feel or express worry, annoyance, or discontent.
      • Example: She began to fret about her upcoming exam and couldn't focus.
    • 2. To wear away or erode, especially through constant irritation.
      • Example: The constant rain can fret the surface of the rocks over time.

    Etymology

    Middle English fretten, from Old English fretan 'to devour'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    fret not:

    do not worry

    don't fret:

    don’t be anxious or upset

    fret over:

    to worry excessively about something

    Related Words

    fretful:

    feeling or expressing distress or irritation

    fretting:

    the act of worrying or being anxious

    Slang Meanings of fret

    Meaning: to sweat the small stuff

    Example Sentence: He really needs to stop fretting over the little things.

    Meaning: to flip out

    Example Sentence: She started to fret when she lost her phone.