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   Fret

   /fret/

   

   verb

   • 1. be constantly or visibly worried or anxious: "she fretted about the cost of groceries" Similar worrybe anxiousfeel uneasybe distressedbe upsetupset oneselfconcern oneselffeel unhappyagonizeanguishsorrowsighpinebroodmopefussmake a fusscomplaingrumblewhineeat one's heart outinformal:stewfeel peeved
   • ▪ cause (someone) worry or distress: "his absence during her times awake began to fret her" Similar troublebotherconcernperturbdisturbdisquietdisconcertmake anxiouscause anxietydistressupsettormentalarmpaniccause to panicagitateinformal:rattleeat away atarchaic:potherOpposite comfort
   • 2. gradually wear away (something) by rubbing or gnawing: "the bay's black waves fret the seafront"
   • ▪ form (a channel or passage) by rubbing or wearing away: "what shape the sea has fretted into the land"
   • 3. flow or move in small waves: "soft clay that fretted between his toes"

   noun

   • 1. a state of anxiety or worry: British "why would anyone get themselves in a fret over something so simple?"

   Word Origin Old Englishfretan ‘devour, consume’, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vreten and German fressen, and ultimately to for- and eat.

   Scrabble Points: 7

   • F

     4

   • R

     1

   • E

     1

   • T

     1

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