Worn or damaged by rubbing, with loose threads or fibers showing.
From Middle French 'frayer' meaning to rub, ultimately from Latin 'fricare' meaning to rub. The sense of fabric wearing thin developed in the 14th century, with the metaphorical use for nerves or tempers appearing in the 19th century.
The phrase 'frayed nerves' perfectly captures how psychological stress mirrors physical wear - both involve breaking down under repeated pressure. The word shares its Latin root with 'friction' and 'friable', creating a family of words all about things wearing away through contact.
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