Fretted

Fretted is the past tense of 'fret,' which means to express worry or anxiety or to cause to become worn or damaged by erosion or overuse. This term often describes a state of being anxious or agitated about something. In a more physical context, it refers to the gradual wearing away of materials, usually due to friction or environmental factors, leading to deterioration over time. It can be used both literally, when referring to objects, or metaphorically, when discussing emotional states.

Fretted meaning with examples

• After hearing the news about her friend’s health, Sarah felt fretted as she thought about all the possible outcomes and what she could do to help. Her concern kept her awake at night, leading her to send frequent text messages to check in, hoping to hear good news that would ease her anxiety.
• As the deadline for the project approached, the team was fretted, each member feeling pressured and overwhelmed. Tensions rose during meetings, and despite their efforts to stay organized, they found themselves worried about the quality of the work they were producing under such tight constraints.
• The old wooden bridge had fretted over the years, its once-sturdy beams now cracked and splintered due to exposure to the elements. The local authorities decided to close it for safety reasons, sparing it from further wear until restoration could be completed.
• He fretted about his finances when his car broke down unexpectedly, fearing the repair bill would put him in deeper debt. Each phone call for quotes felt like an interrogation, amplifying his stress as he calculated what he could afford amidst other bills.
• After her parents moved to another state, Emily fretted over their well-being, worrying about their adjustment to a new environment and missing her companionship. She constantly thought about calling them, wanting to make sure they were settling in and adapting to their new surroundings.