fray

v [I, Tn] 1 (cause sth to) become worn, so that there are loose threads, fibres or wires （使某物）磨损（致使线、 纤维或丝松弛）: This cloth frays easily. 这布太不经磨. * Constant rubbing will fray even the thickest rope. 再粗的绳子也经不住总磨. * frayed shirt cuffs 磨破的衬衫袖口. 2 (cause sth to) become strained and irritated （使某事物）变得令人紧张、 急躁: Nerves/Tempers began to fray in the heat. 天热的时候人就容易神经紧张[脾气急躁]. * Relations between us have become frayed through a series of misunderstandings. 我们之间产生了一连串的误解, 因而关系紧张了.

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