Main Entry: ¹fret

Pronunciation: \ˈfret\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): fret·ted; fret·ting

Etymology: Middle English, to devour, fret, from Old English fretan to devour; akin to Old High German frezzan to devour, ezzan to eat — more at eat

Date: 12th century

transitive verb 1 a : to eat or gnaw into : corrode; also : fray b : rub, chafe c : to make by wearing away a substance <the stream fretted a channel>
2 : to cause to suffer emotional strain : vex
3 : to pass (as time) in fretting
4 : agitate, rippleintransitive verb 1 a : to eat into something b : to affect something as if by gnawing or biting : grate
2 a : wear, corrode b : chafe c : fray 1
3 a : to become vexed or worried b of running water : to become agitated