fray
[verb]
Synonyms: wear thin, chafe, rub, wear

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Related Words: contention, discord, dissension, strife

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. fray¹ /freɪ/ verb [intransitive and transitive]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: frayer, from Latin fricare; ⇒ friction]

1. if cloth or other material frays, or if something frays it, the threads become loose because the material is old:
The collar had started to fray on Ed’s coat.
He had frayed the bottom of his jeans.

2. if someone’s temper or nerves fray, or if something frays them, they become annoyed:
Tempers soon began to fray.
—frayed adjective:
The carpet was badly frayed.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. fray² noun
[Date: 1300-1400; Origin: affray]
the fray an argument or fight:
Three civilians were injured during the fray.
into the fray
He launched himself into the fray.
join/enter the fray
The other soldiers quickly joined the fray, launching missile attacks in the city.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲