fray /freɪ/ TEM8 ( fraying, frayed, frays )

• 1. 

  V-T/V-I If something such as cloth or rope frays, or if something frays it, its threads or fibres start to come apart from each other and spoil its appearance. 磨损

  例：

  The fabric is very fine or frays easily.

  这种布料很细，或者说是容易磨损。

  例：

  The stitching had begun to fray at the edges.

  边缘处的针脚已经开始磨损了。

• 2. 

  V-T/V-I If your nerves or your temper fray, or if something frays them, you become nervous or easily annoyed because of mental strain and anxiety. 烦躁

  例：

  Tempers began to fray as the two teams failed to score.

  两队都没有得分，人们开始烦躁起来。

• 3. 

  N a noisy quarrel 大声争论

• 4. 

  N a fight or brawl 打架; 争吵