fray
fray Lexical Profile
fray Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A heated dispute, competition, or disorderly fight, often used in the phrase 'enter the fray' to describe joining an active debate or contest.
"Several new candidates decided to enter the political fray just weeks before the primary election."
A worn or unraveled spot in a piece of cloth, rope, or woven material.
"She trimmed the loose threads around the fray on the cuff of her denim jacket."
• verb
To unravel or become worn at the edge or end (of a fabric, rope, or cord), or to cause material to separate into loose threads.
"The heavy hemp rope began to fray where it rubbed repeatedly against the wooden dock."
To show signs of strain, irritation, or exhaustion, or to cause someone's patience, nerves, or relationships to become strained.
"Tempers started to fray after the flight was delayed for a fourth consecutive hour."
• Rhymes for fray
Word Origin & Etymology
The word represents a convergence of two distinct Middle English roots: the noun and conflict senses are shortened from 'affray' (from Anglo-Norman 'esfraer', meaning to disturb or frighten), while the sense of unraveling fabric derives from Old French 'freier' (to rub or chafe), from Latin 'fricare' (to rub).