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
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Time Traveler for frayed
The first known use of frayed was in 1815
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