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

Getting back to sleep might become harder, adding more frazzle to your already unsettled state.

From Washington Post

Paul Arguin and Chris Taylor, authors of the new “Fabulous Modern Cookies,” support a well-placed swap of like for like, saving money and frazzle.

From Washington Post

"For months, the media political industrial complex put us through a high-stakes emotionally manipulative simulation designed to frazzle our nerves and exploit our anxieties," Stewart says.

From Salon

The lens skulks like a voyeur and does what it can to frazzle us, too.

From New York Times

So you think the Olympics frazzle the nerves more than any event?

From Seattle Times