fray1 verbfray2 noun
frayfray1 /freɪ/ verb [intransitive, transitive] 
WORD ORIGINfray1
Origin:
1400-1500 French frayer, from Latin fricare; ➔ FRICTIONVERB TABLE
fray
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | fray |
| he, she, it | frays | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | frayed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have frayed |
| he, she, it | has frayed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had frayed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will fray |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have frayed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am fraying |
| he, she, it | is fraying | |
| you, we, they | are fraying | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was fraying |
| you, we, they | were fraying | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been fraying |
| he, she, it | has been fraying | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been fraying |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be fraying |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been fraying |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- It was only three o'clock and tempers were already beginning to fray.
- Alyssia felt her temper begin to fray.
- Anyone working with Mr Gates must take decisions on the spot; studies and committees fray the billionaire's patience.
- They cut a zig-zag edge to prevent fraying.
- With basic needs in increasingly short supply, the social fabric of Cairo is showing signs of fraying.
Longman Language Activatorwhen something has been torn
when something made of cloth or paper has been torn: · He was wearing torn trousers and a ragged jacket.· The pages of the book were torn and faded.get torn: · If the cover of a book gets torn, the library sends it to be repaired.
if a piece of cloth or paper is in shreds , it has been torn and damaged so much that it has almost fallen apart: · The curtains hung in shreds and the carpet was worn thin.· The clothes were handed down in the family, and by the time they reached the last child, they were in shreds.
clothes or things made of cloth that are frayed are torn a little along the edges, usually because they have been used a lot: · He had on frayed jeans and an old white shirt.frayed at the cuffs/collar/edges etc: · The jacket was a little frayed at the cuffs.
cloth, paper, or a piece of clothing that is tattered is torn in many places, especially because it has been used a lot: · A man in tattered blue dungarees was busy in the garage.· The old diary was yellowed and tattered.
clothes or things made of cloth that are ragged are torn and untidy, often because the people who own them are very poor: · The blanket she wore over her shoulders was ragged and filthy.· A man in ragged clothes was begging on the corner.
WORD SETSanorak, nounarm, nounascot, nounBabygro, nounbalaclava, nounbandanna, nounbaseball cap, nounbasque, nounbathing cap, nounbathing costume, nounbathing suit, nounbathing trunks, nounbathrobe, nounbath towel, nounbeachwear, nounbeading, nounbeanie, nounbearskin, nounbell-bottoms, nounbelt, nounbelted, adjectiveberet, nounbespoke, adjectivebib, nounbikini, nounblack-tie, adjectiveblazer, nounblouse, nounblue jeans, nounboa, nounbobble, nounbobble hat, nounbobby socks, nounbodice, nounbody, nounbody stocking, nounbody suit, nounboiler suit, nounbolero, nounbolo tie, nounbomber jacket, nounbonnet, nounboob tube, nounboot, nounbootee, nounbootlace, nounbottom, nounboxer shorts, nounbra, nounbraid, nounbrassiere, nounbreeches, nounbritches, nounbrogue, nounBurberry, business suit, nounbustle, nouncaftan, nouncagoule, nouncamiknickers, nouncamisole, nouncap, nouncape, nouncardigan, nouncare label, nouncarpet slipper, nouncassock, nouncast-offs, nouncasual, adjectivecat suit, nounchemise, nounchinos, nounchinstrap, nouncloak, nouncloche, nounclog, nouncloth cap, nouncoat, nouncoattails, nouncocked hat, nouncony, nouncoonskin, adjectivecope, nouncorset, nouncourt shoe, nouncouture, nouncowboy hat, nouncowl, nouncowl neck, nouncrew neck, nouncrinoline, nouncuff, nounculottes, nouncummerbund, nouncut, noundeck shoe, noundeerstalker, noundelicates, nounderby, noundicky, noundinner jacket, noundog collar, noundonkey jacket, noundouble-breasted, adjectivedoublet, noundrainpipe trousers, noundrawstring, noundress, noundressing gown, noundress shirt, noundress uniform, noundrip-dry, adjectivedry-clean, verbdry cleaner's, nounduffel coat, noundungarees, nounduster, nounearmuffs, nounelbow, nounensemble, nounespadrille, nounevening dress, nounfalsies, nounfashion, nounfashion show, nounfastener, nounfeather boa, nounfeathered, adjectivefez, nounfishnet stockings, nounfitting, nounfitting room, nounflannel, nounflannelette, nounflat, adjectiveflat cap, nounfleece, nounflip-flops, nounflipper, nounfloor-length, adjectiveflounce, nounflounced, adjectivefly, nounfootwear, nounformal, nounfox, nounfray, verbfrilly, adjectivefrock, nounfrock coat, nounfull, adjectivefull dress, nounfur, nounfuzz, noungabardine, noungaiter, noungaloshes, noungarment, noungarter, noungarter belt, noungather, verbgather, noungathering, noungauntlet, noungear, noungetup, noungirdle, nounglove, noungloved, adjectivegown, noungreatcoat, nounG-string, noungumboot, noungusset, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhaberdasher, nounhaberdashery, nounhalter, nounhand-me-down, nounhanger, nounhankie, nounhard-wearing, adjectivehat, nounhatpin, nounhatter, nounheadband, nounheaddress, nounheadscarf, nounhem, nounhem, verbhemline, nounhip pocket, nounhobnailed, adjectivehomburg, nounhooded, adjectivehook and eye, nounhose, nounhosiery, nounhot pants, nounhousecoat, nouninformal, adjectiveinsole, nouninstep, nouniron, nouniron, verbironing, nounjackboot, nounjacket, nounjammies, nounjeans, nounjerkin, nounjersey, nounJockey shorts, nounjockstrap, nounjodhpurs, nounjogging suit, nounjumper, nounjumpsuit, nounkaftan, nounkerchief, nounkhakis, nounkilt, nounkimono, nounknee breeches, nounknickerbockers, nounknickers, nounlace, nounlace-up, nounlapel, nounleg, nounleggings, nounleotard, nounlinen, nounloafer, nounloincloth, nounlong, adjectivelong johns, nounlounge suit, nounlow, adjectivelow-cut, adjectiveLycra, nounmac, nounmackintosh, nounmantle, nounmasquerade, nounmatinée jacket, nounmenswear, nounmilliner, nounmillinery, nounmini, nounminiskirt, nounmink, nounmitt, nounmitten, nounmob cap, nounmoccasin, nounmoleskin, nounmonogram, nounmoon boot, nounmorning coat, nounmorning dress, nounmorning suit, nounmourning, nounmuff, nounmuffler, nounmukluks, nounmule, nounmuu-muu, nounname-tape, nounnational costume, nounnational dress, nounneck, nounneckerchief, nounnecktie, nounnegligee, nounnightcap, nounnightclothes, nounnightdress, nounnightgown, nounnightie, nounnightshirt, nounnightwear, nounnon-iron, adjectiveoff-the-peg, adjectiveoilskin, nounone-piece, adjectiveopen, adjectiveopen-necked, adjectiveouterwear, nounoutfitter, nounoutsize, adjectiveoverall, nounovercoat, nounoverdressed, adjectiveovershoe, nounoxford, nounpadded, adjectivepanama hat, nounpanel, nounpantaloons, nounpanties, nounpants, nounpantyhose, nounparka, nounpatch, nounpatch, verbpatent leather, nounpeak, nounpencil skirt, nounpetticoat, nounpillbox, nounpinafore, nounpinny, nounpith helmet, nounpj's, nounplimsoll, nounplus fours, nounpolo neck, nounpolo shirt, nounponcho, nounpre-shrunk, adjectivepull-on, adjectivepullover, nounputtee, nounpyjamas, nounraglan, adjectiveraincoat, nounrainproof, adjectiveready-to-wear, adjectiveregalia, nounrevealing, adjectiverobe, nounrobed, adjectiverubber boot, nounruff, nounruffle, nounrun, verbrun, nounsable, nounsaddle shoe, nounsailor suit, nounsandal, nounsari, nounsarong, nounsartorial, adjectivesash, nounsatchel, nounscarf, nounschool tie, nounscoop neck, nounseamed, adjectiveseamless, adjectiveseparates, nounshawl, nounshell suit, nounshirt, nounshirtfront, nounshirt tail, nounshoe, nounshoehorn, nounshoelace, nounshoemaker, nounshoestring, nounshoulder, nounshoulder strap, nounshowerproof, adjectivesinglet, nounskin-tight, adjectiveskirt, nounskull cap, nounslicker, nounslingback, nounslip, nounslip-ons, nounslipper, nounsmock, nounsmoking jacket, nounsmuggling, nounsnap, nounsnappy, adjectivesneaker, nounsnowshoe, nounsnug, adjectivesock, nounsole, nounsole, verbsombrero, nounsou'wester, nounsox, nounsporran, nounsport coat, nounsport jacket, nounsports coat, nounsport shirt, nounsports jacket, nounsports shirt, nounsporty, adjectivestay, nounStetson, nounstiletto, nounstocking, nounstole, nounstone-washed, adjectivestraitjacket, nounstrip, nounstud, nounsuit, nounsundress, nounsun hat, nounsurplice, nounsuspender belt, nounsweatband, nounsweater, nounsweatpants, nounsweatshirt, nounsweat suit, nounswimming costume, nounswimming trunks, nounswimsuit, nounswimwear, nountailcoat, nountank top, nountee shirt, nounten-gallon hat, nounTerylene, nounthermal, adjectivethong, nounthree-piece suit, nountights, nountoga, nountop, nountopcoat, nountopee, nountop hat, nountopi, nountopper, nountracksuit, nountrain, nountrench coat, nountrilby, nountrousers, nountrouser suit, nounT-shirt, nountube top, nountuck, verbtuck, nountunic, nounturban, nounturtleneck, nountutu, nountuxedo, nountweed, nountwinset, nountwo-piece, adjectiveunderclothes, noununderdressed, adjectiveundergarment, noununderpants, nounundershirt, noununderwear, nounundies, noununiform, noununiformed, adjectiveunion suit, nounupper, nounveil, nounvelour, nounvelvet, nounvisor, nounvoluminous, adjectivewaist, nounwaistband, nounwaistcoat, nounwaistline, nounwardrobe, nounwashing, nounwaterproof, nounwear, nounwedding dress, nounwellie, nounwellington, nounwelly, nounwet-look, adjectivewet suit, nounwimple, nounwind breaker, nounwing collar, nounwingtip, nounwool, nounwoollen, adjectivewoollens, nounwoolly, adjectivewoolly, nounworsted, nounwrap, nounwrap-around, adjectivewrinkle, nounwristband, nounY-fronts, nounyoke, nounzoot suit, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Tempers soon began to fray.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1 Tempers soon began to fray. (=they feel very nervous or worried)· Everyone's nerves were frayed by the end of the week.
British English (=people become annoyed)· People were pushing each other, and tempers were becoming frayed.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· We had been waiting an hour, the temperature rising, tempers fraying.· Their tempers are starting to fray.· With tempers fraying, it was decided to return to the question today.· It was on the second day that tempers, already frayed, finally ripped.
if cloth or other material frays, or if something frays it, the threads become loose because the material is old: The collar had started to fray on Ed’s coat. He had frayed the bottom of his jeans.2if someone’s temper or nerves fray, or if something frays them, they become annoyed: Tempers soon began to fray.—frayed adjective: The carpet was badly frayed.fray1 verbfray2 noun
frayfray2 noun WORD ORIGINfray2
Origin:
1300-1400 affrayEXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- Finally, Yusuf led into the fray his own Black Guards, consisting of 4000 men.
- He is shaken, and resolves to return to the fray.
- Kazanow grins sheepishly at the cheers before rejoining the fray below, the easy warmth between band and benefactor plainly apparent.
- Luckily, the boys heard the scuffle and ran out to throw themselves into the fray.
- The banquet recommenced but the fray had dampened and soured the atmosphere.
- Then King jumped into the fray and tried to persuade Republicans to replace Gingrich with Rep.
- Thousands of ordinary people were forced into the fray.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The other soldiers quickly joined the fray, launching missile attacks in the city.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
the fray an argument or fight: The other soldiers quickly joined the fray, launching missile attacks in the city. (=they feel very nervous or worried)· Everyone's nerves were frayed by the end of the week.
British English (=people become annoyed)· People were pushing each other, and tempers were becoming frayed.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Lord Joseph is now 71, in the House of Lords and out of the political fray.· He is said, despite his years, to be fit, lucid and raring to re-enter the political fray.
VERB· Gradually, the number of individual objectors prepared to enter the fray began to expand outside the initial handful.· Home venture, will enter the fray next month.· The field is being actively investigated and is at an exciting stage; computational chemists have entered the fray.· But the outcome is neither random, nor completely orderly: probability has entered into the fray.· Credit-card companies have entered the fray, offering an additional 15 to 20 percent off service charges if their card is used.· This, he believed, would spur us on before we entered the fray.· This, of course, was before the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills decided to enter the fray.
· Two Hearthwares, huge in their armour, lumbered over to join in the fray.· Current students joined the fray as well.· At that moment Nusbaum was hurrying back from another meeting to join the fray if he could.· His friend van Rappard joined the fray, urging him to stay put, as he was doing.· If they want to be part of the team they have to join the fray.· What is slightly more unusual is that Congress has simultaneously joined the fray.
Three civilians were injured during the fray.into the fray He launched himself into the fray.join/enter the fray The other soldiers quickly joined the fray, launching missile attacks in the city.