Fray
/freɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo unravel or wear away at the edge; to cause irritation or strain.
/freɪ/
To unravel or wear through.
The rope began to fray after being rubbed against the rocks.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite jeans. If the edges start to get loose threads, they're starting to *fray*. It's like when something is wearing out, or when a situation gets tense and starts to fall apart, like when your patience frays.
👶 For kids: When something like a rope or cloth starts to come apart at the edges, that's called fraying. Or, if someone gets angry and upset, their feelings are starting to fray!
More Examples
The argument caused their friendship to fray.
After years of use, the fabric started to fray.
How It's Used
"The edges of the old rug began to fray."
"Their nerves were beginning to fray after the long argument."
A situation of intense activity, typically a battle or struggle.
/freɪ/
A battle or struggle.
The knights charged into the thick of the fray.
💡 Simply: Imagine a fight, a chaotic battle, or a heated argument. That is a *fray*. It’s like a big, messy scene where people are struggling or arguing.
👶 For kids: A fray is like a fight or a big argument where lots of people are doing things at the same time.
More Examples
He jumped into the political fray to defend his views.
The journalists entered the media fray.
How It's Used
"She plunged headfirst into the fray of the debate."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
the thick of the fray
The most intense part of a battle or difficult situation.
"He charged headlong into the thick of the fray, ignoring the danger."
From Middle English freien, from Old French freier ('to rub, wear away'). Ultimately from Latin fricāre ('to rub').
The word 'fray' has been used to describe both physical wear and tear and social or personal conflict since the Middle Ages.
Memory tip
Think of threads becoming loose and unraveling; or of patience wearing thin.
Word Origin
"To rub"