fret

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

• an ornamental pattern consisting of repeated vertical and horizontal lines (often in relief)
  • there was a simple fret at the top of the walls
    

• a spot that has been worn away by abrasion or erosion

• agitation resulting from active worry
  • don't get in a stew
    
  • he's in a sweat about exams
    

Verb

• wear away or erode

• remove soil or rock
  • Rain eroded the terraces
    

• cause friction
  • my sweater scratches
    

• be too tight; rub or press
  • This neckband is choking the cat
    

• decorate with an interlaced design

• carve a pattern into

• gnaw into; make resentful or angry
  • The injustice rankled her
    
  • his resentment festered
    

• cause annoyance in

• become or make sore by or as if by rubbing

• provide (a musical instrument) with frets
  • fret a guitar
    

• be agitated or irritated
  • don't fret over these small details
    

• worry unnecessarily or excessively
  • don't fuss too much over the grandchildren--they are quite big now
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  Greek fret , Greek key , key pattern , worn spot , stew , sweat , lather , swither , eat away , erode , rub , fray , chafe , scratch , choke , gag , eat into , rankle , grate , gall , fuss , niggle