frazzle

1 of 2

verb

fraz·​zle ˈfra-zəl 

frazzled; frazzling ˈfra-zə-liŋ 

ˈfraz-liŋ

transitive verb

1

: fray entry 2

2

a

: to put in a state of extreme physical or nervous fatigue

b

: upset

intransitive verb

: to become frazzled

frazzle

2 of 2

noun

1

: the state of being frazzled

2

: a condition of fatigue or nervous exhaustion

worn to a frazzle

Synonyms

Verb

• wear
• erode
• fray

Noun

• exhaustion
• fatigue

Examples of frazzle in a Sentence

Verb

He's a clever player who knows how to frazzle his opponents.

years of use have frazzled the cord for the window blinds to the breaking point

Noun

months of overtime work have left her worn to a frazzle

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Even this highly personal gift idea isn’t cutting it, and Noreen is getting frazzled as the date draws nigh. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 24 June 2025

The absence of a direct channel of communication with the interior frazzles Tzarina and only isolates her further from the flow of the night. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 May 2025

Noun

Studies have repeatedly shown that birdsong, flowing water, and wind through trees all effectively coax our brains away from the frazzle of overstimulation, leading to feelings of calm and wellbeing as well as lower blood pressure and decreased cortisol. —Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

The signature crack of a sonic boom can shake walls, rattle windows, and frazzle nerves. —Jason Daley, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2011

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of English dialect fazle to tangle, fray

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1825, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing frazzle

• burned to a frazzle
• to a frazzle
• worn to a frazzle

Rhymes for frazzle

• dazzle

Kids Definition

frazzle

1 of 2 noun

fraz·​zle

ˈfraz-əl

: a tired or nervous condition

worn to a frazzle

frazzle

2 of 2 verb

1

: fray entry 2

2

: to cause to be in a tired or nervous condition