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. 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.
   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

This bit of wisdom from Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz was embraced Tuesday night by an increasingly frazzled American electorate seeking a refuge from potentially catastrophic news.

From Salon

Many assumed the booking was a mistake made by a frazzled advance staffer who called the wrong Four Seasons.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a sense of awkwardness and frazzled energy surrounding the crowd.

From Salon

They show him wearing a red T-shirt and shorts that were completely soiled and with frazzled hair.

From BBC

The United States looked frantic and frazzled against a physical defense that forced 13 turnovers in the first half compared to just eight made field goals.

From Los Angeles Times