Frayed

/freɪd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

Past tense of fray, meaning to wear or cause to wear away by rubbing or to unravel.

The constant use frayed the edges of the once new carpet.

adjective

Worn down, ragged, or having threads that are unraveling, typically referring to fabric or material.

Her frayed jeans added a touch of vintage charm to her outfit.

Show signs of strain or stress; often used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological state.

After weeks of hard work, his nerves were frayed and he needed a break.

Middle English 'frayed,' from 'fray,' meaning to wear away.

frayed nerves:

A state of mental or emotional stress.

frayed edges:

Referring to something that is worn or tattered.

Stressed out or worn down.

After that argument, he was totally frayed.

In disarray or falling apart.

Her plans for the weekend are all frayed since the weather turned bad.