The meaning of FRAY is a usually disorderly or protracted fight, struggle, or dispute. How to use fray in a sentence.

A heated dispute or intensely competitive situation: "Minneapolis became the latest battleground in the fray over bio-engineering as hundreds of protesters took to the streets" (Todd Wilkinson).

fray noun [U] (FIGHT) a fight or argument, esp. one in which several people take part A fray is also a situation in which people or organizations compete forcefully:

If your nerves or your temper fray, or if something frays them, you become nervous or easily annoyed because of mental strain and anxiety. Tempers began to fray as the two teams failed to score. …

Jan 20, 2026 · fray (plural frays) (archaic or obsolete) A consequence of rubbing, unravelling, or wearing away; a fraying; also, a place where fraying has occurred. quotations

to (cause to) become worn into loose threads at the edge or end: [no object] Sweaters often fray at the elbows. [~ + object] All that traffic frayed the carpet.

Explanation The word fray is all about friction. A frayed rope has been rubbed so much its fibers are wearing away. People experiencing friction are involved in a fray, or a noisy fight. If you have had a …

Fray definition: A fight; a brawl.

noun A fret or chafe in cloth, a cord, etc.; a place injured or weakened by rubbing: as, a fray in an angler's line. To put in fear; terrify; frighten; deter by fear.

1 fray / ˈ freɪ/ noun plural frays Britannica Dictionary definition of FRAY [count] : a fight, struggle, or disagreement that involves many people