Fray

Definition

Fray can function as a noun meaning a fight, skirmish, or heated dispute; as a verb, it means to wear away or unravel (as fabric) by rubbing, or to cause someone’s nerves or temper to be strained.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (intransitive/transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /freɪ/
• Respelling: FRAY

British English

• IPA: /freɪ/
• Respelling: FRAY

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French frai ‘rubbing, dispute,’ from Latin fricare ‘to rub.’

Derivatives

• frayed (adjective; verb past)
• fraying (verb gerund/adjective)
• defray (verb, unrelated “to pay”)

Synonyms

• (noun) skirmish, brawl, clash, altercation
• (verb) unravel, wear, erode, chafe

Antonyms

• (noun) peace, calm
• (verb) mend, smooth, soothe

Usage

Noun: The noun "fray" is used in literary, social, and historical contexts to describe a conflict or disorderly fight. For example, "The knights entered the fray with swords drawn," or "She stepped back from the heated fray at the town hall meeting."

Verb: As a verb, "to fray" describes the action of wearing fabric or nerves. For example, "The constant friction began to fray the edges of the old carpet," or "Months of stress had started to fray his temper."

Related Terms

• Skirmish: A minor fight or encounter.
• Wear: To erode or abrade by use.
• Unravel: To come apart at the seams.
• Discord: Lack of agreement or harmony.
• Chafe: To wear or irritate by rubbing.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A fight, contest, or heated dispute – a tumultuous or disorderly engagement.
  • Example: "Mercenaries rushed into the fray at the sound of the trumpet."
• The worn or ragged edge of a fabric – the part where threads have come loose.
  • Example: "He noticed the fray at the cuff of his shirt."

Verb

• To wear away or unravel by rubbing – to cause fabric or material to become ragged.
  • Example: "Years of use had frayed the leather armrest."
• To cause nerves, temper, or patience to be worn down – to strain or irritate.
  • Example: "Constant interruptions began to fray her composure."