fray

Pronunciation

• IPA: /freɪ/
• American: [frey]

Origin

From Middle English 'frayen', derived from Old French 'frayer' (to rub, wear away), ultimately from Latin 'fricare' (to rub)

Meanings

1. (noun)

   • A heated or intense conflict or dispute
   • A fight, battle, or skirmish

2. (verb)

   • To become worn or damaged by rubbing
   • To unravel or become worn at the edge
   • To enter or join a fight or conflict

Example Sentences

1. "He jumped into the fray to defend his friend."
2. "The edges of her jeans began to fray after repeated washing."
3. "The political debate quickly descended into a verbal fray."
4. "The old rope was fraying and needed to be replaced."

Related Words

• Forms:

  • frayed (past tense)
  • fraying (present participle)
  • frays (third person singular)

• Synonyms:

  • As noun: fight, battle, conflict, dispute, brawl
  • As verb: wear, unravel, tatter, wear out, ravel

Memory Tricks

1. Think "F-RAY" - like a fight RAYdiating outward, spreading conflict
2. Remember the phrase "Frayed nerves" - when nerves are worn out from stress, just like fabric can be worn out
3. Associate with "afraid" - people might be afraid to enter the fray (fight)

Usage Notes

Often used in the phrase "enter/join the fray" meaning to join a conflict or debate that's already in progress