fray

noun \ ˈfrā \

Updated on: 28 Feb 2018

Definition of fray

: a usually disorderly or protracted fight, struggle, or dispute

Fighting there could easily draw neighboring nations into the fray.
—Blaine Harden

… the patrician statesman who stood above the fray.
—Richard D. Hylton

Origin and Etymology of fray

see ⁴fray

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

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fray

verb

Definition of fray

transitive verb

1 a : to wear (something, such as an edge of cloth) by or as if by rubbing : fret

b : to separate the threads at the edge of

2 : strain, irritate

… a botched new bus system … which has frayed tempers.
—The Economist

intransitive verb

1 : to wear out or into shreds

2 : to show signs of strain

fraying nerves

Origin and Etymology of fray

Middle English fraien, from Anglo-French freier, froier to rub, from Latin fricare — more at friction

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

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fray

noun

Definition of fray

: a raveled place or worn spot (as on fabric)

First Known Use of fray

1630

in the meaning defined above

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fray

verb

Definition of fray

transitive verb

archaic

: scare; also : to frighten away

Origin and Etymology of fray

Middle English fraien, short for affraien to affray

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

FRAY Defined for Kids

fray

noun \ ˈfrā \

Definition of fray for Students

: ²fight 1, brawl

fray

verb

Definition of fray for Students

frayed; fraying

: to wear into shreds

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See words that rhyme with fray Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fray Spanish Central: Translation of fray Nglish: Translation of fray for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of fray for Arabic speakers

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fray

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Origin and Etymology of fray

fray

Definition of fray

Origin and Etymology of fray

fray

Definition of fray

First Known Use of fray

fray

Definition of fray

Origin and Etymology of fray

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FRAY Defined for Kids

fray

Definition of fray for Students

fray

Definition of fray for Students

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