fray

6 definitions • 8 examples

to become or to cause the threads in cloth or rope to become slightly separated, forming loose threads at the edge or end:

Denim frays so easily.

I frayed the edges of my jeans since that was the fashion in those days.

If your temper frays or your nerves fray, you gradually become upset or annoyed:

Tempers frayed as thousands of drivers began the Christmas holiday with long waits in traffic jams.

an energetic and often not well-organized effort, activity, fight, or disagreement:

enter the fray With a third country about to enter (= take part in) the fray, the fighting looks set to continue.

ready for the fray A good holiday should leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the fray (= ready to work) again.

to become or to cause the threads in cloth or rope to become slightly separated and loose at the edge or end:

[ I ] All his shirts are fraying at the collar.

[ I ] fig. My nerves are getting frayed (= I am becoming nervous) from the constant noise around here.

a fight or argument, esp. one in which several people take part

A fray is also a situation in which people or organizations compete forcefully:

A third buyer has entered the fray.