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

1a :  to wear (something, such as an edge of cloth) by or as if by rubbing :  fretb :  to separate the threads at the edge of

2 :  strain, irritate tempers became a bit frayed

1 :  to wear out or into shreds

2 :  to show signs of strain fraying nerves

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

:  ²fight 1, brawl

:  to wear into shreds