fray

//freɪ//
B2Frequency Level 12Neutral
Visual representation of fray

Verb

frayInfinitive
frayPresent tense
frayedPast tense
frayedPast participle
frayingPresent participle
fraysThird-person singular
1

To become worn or unraveled at the edges, especially of fabric or rope.

The cuffs of his old jacket are starting to fray.

2

To cause strain or irritation, especially to nerves or temper.

The constant noise began to fray her nerves.

Noun

fraySingular
fraysPlural
1

A fight, battle, or heated conflict.

The two companies entered the fray over market dominance.