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
Cite this Entry
“Frayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frayed. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.
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