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frazzle

play
verb fraz·zle \ ˈfra-zəl \

Definition of frazzle

frazzled; frazzling play \ˈfraz-liŋ, ˈfra-zə-\
transitive verb
1 :3fray
2 a :to put in a state of extreme physical or nervous fatigue
b :upset
intransitive verb
:to become frazzled

See frazzle defined for English-language learners

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Examples of frazzle in a Sentence

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

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

Origin and Etymology of frazzle

alteration of English dialect fazle to tangle, fray

frazzle Synonyms

Synonyms
chafe, corrade, erode, fray, abrade, fret, gall, rasp, rub, wear
Antonyms
calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, tranquilize (also tranquillize)
Related Words
file, gnaw, grate, graze, grind, nibble, sandblast, sandpaper, scour, scrape, scuff, shave; erase, reduce, rub out, wear out, wipe (away); bite, break down, break up, chew, corrode, decompose, disintegrate, dissolve, eat; hone, sharpen, whet
Near Antonyms
activate, energize, invigorate, rejuvenate, strengthen, vitalize; relax, rest, unwind
2

frazzle

noun

Definition of frazzle

1 :the state of being frazzled
2 :a condition of fatigue or nervous exhaustion
  • worn to a frazzle

See frazzle defined for English-language learners

See frazzle defined for kids

Examples of frazzle in a Sentence

  1. months of overtime work have left her worn to a frazzle

Recent Examples of frazzle from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'frazzle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of frazzle

1865

frazzle Synonyms

Synonyms
burnout, collapse, exhaustion, fatigue, lassitude, prostration, tiredness, weariness
Antonyms
refreshment, rejuvenation, rejuvenescence, revitalization
Related Words
debilitation, debility, disablement, enervation, enfeeblement, faintness, feebleness, frailness, frailty, impotence, infirmity, weakness; overfatigue; languor, lethargy, listlessness; sluggishness, slumber, stupor, torpidity, torpor; apathy, inertia, passiveness, passivity
Near Antonyms
bounce, dash, drive, energy, ginger, go, liveliness, pep, punch, sap, snap, starch, verve, vigor, vim, vitality, zing, zip; might, muscle, potency, power, puissance, strength; briskness, jauntiness, spiritedness, sprightliness, vivaciousness, vivacity

Phrases Related to FRAZZLE

Related Phrases

FRAZZLE Defined for English Language Learners

frazzle

play
verb

Definition of frazzle for English Language Learners

  • : to make (someone) very nervous or upset

FRAZZLE Defined for Kids

frazzle

play
noun fraz·zle \ ˈfra-zəl \

Definition of frazzle for Students

:a tired or nervous condition
  • I'm worn to a frazzle.

Learn More about frazzle

  1. See words that rhyme with frazzle Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for frazzle Spanish Central: Translation of frazzle Nglish: Translation of frazzle for Spanish speakers

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Examples: frazzle in a Sentence