frazzle

[ fraz-uhl ]

verb (used with or without object)

, fraz·zled, fraz·zling.

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. See fray
   a less common word for fray 2

noun

1. informal.
   the state of being frazzled or exhausted
2. a frayed end or remnant
3. to a frazzle informal.
   to a frazzle 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

He was streaked with ashes and soot and sweat, and so was his horse, and they both looked worn to a frazzle.

From Project Gutenberg

All he's got to do is to start out empty-handed and lick the world to a frazzle.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither can lick the other to a frazzle and neither can afford to give up till it is completely licked.

From Project Gutenberg

So back to the hotel went Billy to enter upon a period of waiting that frayed his nerves to an utter frazzle.

From Project Gutenberg

If you face the supernatural, it is more than half beaten to a frazzle, before the fight begins.

From Project Gutenberg