fret

fret

verb

Definition of FRET

1

to consume or wear away gradually <over the span of thousands of years, the annual spring runoff fretted the rock, forming a deep channel>

Synonyms bite (at), corrode, erode, fret, gnaw, nibble

Related Words break down, break up, decompose, disintegrate, dissolve; decimate, destroy, devastate, ruin, waste, wreck

Near Antonyms freshen, recreate, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, rejuvenate, renew, restore, revitalize, revive

2

to damage or diminish by continued friction <don't let the girth fret the horse's belly or you won't be able to ride him>

Synonyms chafe, corrade, erode, fray, frazzle, fret, gall, rasp, rub, wear

Related Words file, gnaw, grate, graze, grind, nibble, sandblast, sandpaper, scour, scrape, scuff, shave; erase, reduce, rub out, wear out, wipe (away); bite, break down, break up, chew, corrode, decompose, disintegrate, dissolve, eat; hone, sharpen, whet

3

to experience concern or anxiety <don't fret over whether it will be sunny tomorrow, as there's nothing we can do about it>

Synonyms bother, fear, fret, fuss, stew, stress, sweat, trouble

Related Words agonize; long, pine, yearn; chafe; despair

Near Antonyms accept; abide, bear, endure, stick out, stomach, sustain, take, tolerate

4

to make sore by continued rubbing <the stiff, starchy collar was fretting my neck, and I couldn't wait to change out of that costume>

Synonyms abrade, excoriate, fret, gall, irritate

Related Words graze, scrape, scratch; burn, inflame (also enflame); flay, peel, skin