vt.& vi.(使布、绳等)磨损,磨破;使(关系,神经等)紧张;〈古〉吓唬,使惊恐;〈古〉吵架,打架;
n.打斗,争吵;争辩;(织物等的)磨损处;
例句:
Tempers began to fray as the two teams failed to score.
随着两队都没能破门得分,大家渐渐沉不住气了。
The stitching on the Chinese economy could fray and burst.
中国经济的伤口会崩裂.
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].