fret

fret · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To worry or be anxious about something, especially unnecessarily or in a way that cannot help.

  2. 2.

    To cause wear or erosion by rubbing or gnawing.

  3. 3.

    (Noun) One of the raised bars on the neck of a guitar or similar instrument.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fret and fume — to worry and be angry at the same time
  • •
    don't fret — an expression telling someone not to worry

Related words

Antonyms: calm, relax
See also: anxiety, guitar, worry
Synonyms: agonize, brood, worry

Etymology

From Old English fretan ("to devour, consume"), from Proto-Germanic fraetaną. The meaning shifted from physical consumption to emotional distress. The musical sense derives from Old French frete ("ferrule, ring").