Meaning & Definition of word "Fret"

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.