frazzle

1 of 2

verb

fraz·​zle ˈfra-zəl How to pronounce frazzle (audio)
frazzled; frazzling ˈfra-zə-liŋ How to pronounce frazzle (audio)
ˈfraz-liŋ

transitive verb

1
2
a
: to put in a state of extreme physical or nervous fatigue
b
: upset

frazzle

2 of 2

noun

1
: the state of being frazzled
2
: a condition of fatigue or nervous exhaustion
worn to a frazzle

Examples of frazzle in a Sentence

Verb He's a clever player who knows how to frazzle his opponents. years of use have frazzled the cord for the window blinds to the breaking point Noun months of overtime work have left her worn to a frazzle
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Jonna quickly gets frazzled and has no strategy (helped immensely by Jordan screaming at her) and Rachel dominates, keeping her Era still alive but barely breathing. Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024 In recent months, my long brunette hair has looked frazzled, lifeless and one-dimensional. Maisie Bovingdon, refinery29.com, 10 Sep. 2024
Noun
Studies have repeatedly shown that birdsong, flowing water, and wind through trees all effectively coax our brains away from the frazzle of overstimulation, leading to feelings of calm and wellbeing as well as lower blood pressure and decreased cortisol. Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024 The signature crack of a sonic boom can shake walls, rattle windows, and frazzle nerves. Jason Daley, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2011 See all Example Sentences for frazzle 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of English dialect fazle to tangle, fray

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1825, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frazzle was circa 1825

Dictionary Entries Near frazzle

Cite this Entry

“Frazzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frazzle. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

frazzle

1 of 2 noun
fraz·​zle
ˈfraz-əl
: a tired or nervous condition
worn to a frazzle

frazzle

2 of 2 verb
1
2
: to cause to be in a tired or nervous condition

More from Merriam-Webster on frazzle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!