frayed

\ ˈfrād

Definition of frayed

1 : worn or shredded at the ends or edges frayed jeans A long line of scared-looking first years entered, led by Professor McGonagall, who was carrying a stool on which sat an ancient wizard's hat, heavily patched and darned with a wide rip near the frayed brim.— J. K. Rowling

2 : damaged, weakened, or worn down by strain or irritation frayed nerves/tempers He vanished underground for a time, and when he reappeared he had retired from pimping. But he was still dealing drugs, and in his frayed state he was losing his half-step edge on the law.— Peter Goldman The draconian measures drew widespread condemnation in Europe and further strained the already frayed relations between Pretoria and Washington …— Mark Whitaker