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

“Combining travel on the busiest days of the year with big group events can make you frazzled or anxious,” said Manhattan psychotherapist Justena Kavanagh.

Read more on Salon

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.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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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Related Words

• fray