fritz
verb phrase
to become inoperable.
fritz
1 American
[frits]
/ frɪts /
verb phrase
idioms
Fritz
2
American
[frits]
/ frɪts /
noun
-
Older Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a German, especially a German soldier.
-
a male given name.
fritz
More Idioms
Sensitive Note
Fritz was a nickname used by Allied soldiers for a German soldier during World War I and II.
Etymology
Origin of fritz1
An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; of obscure origin
Origin of Fritz2
1910–15; < German; common nickname for Friedrich
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
But when Pína and Hawk arrive, their presence throws a wrench in a union that’s already on the fritz.
From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026
But collectively, they show a country and a world order that are on the fritz.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
But like every machine I've ever owned, it goes on the fritz.
From BBC ● Nov. 30, 2023
When his helmet radio went on the fritz, the Bengals quarterback temporarily had to call the plays.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2023
His shirtsleeves are rolled up, which doesn’t solve much: the air-conditioning is on the fritz and the air on the plane is overheated.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
Sixth-ranked Daniil Medvedev, seventh seed Taylor Fritz and world number nine Flavio Cobolli also all lost in the second round.
From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026
After seizing control in the first-set tiebreaker, Fritz roared to a 3-0 lead with a pair of service breaks in the second.
From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026
He held for 5-4 to force Fritz to serve it out, the American's chance delayed just slightly as Jodar had treatment on his left wrist after taking a tumble in the ninth game.
From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026
The company has also explored bundling other subscription-based streaming services, including NBCUniversal’s Peacock, into its offering, report Jessica Toonkel and Ben Fritz.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
When she woke up, the sun was shining and Joe had already gone off with Fritz.
From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
