(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
If something such as cloth or rope ~s, or if something ~s it, its threads or fibres start to come apart from each other and spoil its appearance.
The fabric is very fine or ~s easily...
The stitching had begun to ~ at the edges...
Her washing machine tends to ~ edges on intricate designs.
...~ing edges in the stair carpet...
He wore ~ed jeans and cowboy shirts.
VERB: V, V at n, V n, V-ing, V-ed
2.
If your nerves or your temper ~, or if something ~s them, you become nervous or easily annoyed because of mental strain and anxiety.
Tempers began to ~ as the two teams failed to score...
This kind of living was beginning to ~ her nerves.
VERB: V, V n
3.
The ~ is an exciting or challenging activity, situation, or argument that you are involved in.
There will have to be a second round of voting when new candidates can enter the ~...
He would be inspiring young people to get into the political ~.
N-SING: the N