meaning of the word fray
Definition of fray. 1  transitive verb. 2  1a : to wear (as an edge of cloth) by or as if by rubbing : fretb : to separate the threads at the edge of. 3  2 : strain, irritate tempers became a bit frayed.  intransitive 1  verb. 1 : to wear out or into shreds.  2 : to show signs of strain fraying nerves.