frazzle

[fraz-uhl]

verb (used with or without object)

frazzled, frazzling 

1. to wear to threads or shreds; fray.

2. to weary; tire out.

   Those six eight-year-olds frazzled me.

noun

1. the state of being frazzled or worn-out.

2. a remnant; shred.

frazzle

/ ˈfræzəl /

verb

1. informal,  to make or become exhausted or weary; tire out

2. a less common word for fray 2

noun

1. informal,  the state of being frazzled or exhausted

2. a frayed end or remnant

3. informal,  absolutely; completely (esp in the phrase burnt to a frazzle )

Word History and Origins

Origin of frazzle¹

1815–25; blend of fray ² and fazzle, Middle English faselin to unravel, cognate with German faseln

Word History and Origins

Origin of frazzle¹

C19: probably from Middle English faselen to fray, from fasel fringe; influenced by _fray ²

Example Sentences

Having been on the receiving end of Wolvaardt's onslaught, it was understandable for the batters' minds to be a little frazzled.

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Pitchfork said “her music’s never been less compelling,” while The Guardian called the album “dull razzle-dazzle from a star who seems frazzled.”

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He added that DiCaprio "astounds – frazzled and absurd yet also sweet and even noble, he evokes Jack Nicholson in his prime".

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The Duckett-Crawley partnership frazzled India, threatening to completely derail the tourists.

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She's a little frazzled after two days of live shows; and somewhat sleep deprived, thanks to a group of kids who have been running races in the corridor outside her hotel room.

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Related Words

• fray