fret

Definition (noun): agitation resulting from active worry

Example: don’t get in a stew

Definition (noun): agitation resulting from active worry

Example: he’s in a sweat about exams

Definition (noun): a spot that has been worn away by abrasion or erosion

Definition (noun): an ornamental pattern consisting of repeated vertical and horizontal lines (often in relief)

Example: there was a simple fret at the top of the walls

Definition (noun): a small bar of metal across the fingerboard of a musical instrument; when the string is stopped by a finger at the metal bar it will produce a note of the desired pitch

Definition (verb): worry unnecessarily or excessively

Example: don’t fuss too much over the grandchildren–they are quite big now

Definition (verb): be agitated or irritated

Example: don’t fret over these small details

Definition (verb): provide (a musical instrument) with frets

Example: fret a guitar

Definition (verb): become or make sore by or as if by rubbing

Definition (verb): cause annoyance in

Definition (verb): gnaw into; make resentful or angry

Example: The injustice rankled her

Definition (verb): gnaw into; make resentful or angry

Example: his resentment festered

Definition (verb): carve a pattern into

Definition (verb): decorate with an interlaced design

Definition (verb): be too tight; rub or press

Example: This neckband is choking the cat

Definition (verb): cause friction

Example: my sweater scratches

Definition (verb): remove soil or rock

Example: Rain eroded the terraces

Definition (verb): wear away or erode