I. ˈfrazəl verb
( frazzled ; frazzled ; frazzling -z(ə)liŋ ; frazzles )
Etymology: alteration (probably influenced by fray ) (III) of English dialect fazle to tangle, fray, from Middle English faselen to fray, from frasel, n., fringe, frayed edge, diminutive of fas fringe, from Old English fæs — more at fash
transitive verb
1. : fray III
a bedside lamp with a frazzled cord and torn shade — Hamilton Basso
2.
a. : to reduce to a state of extreme physical or nervous fatigue
as if all of these projects weren't enough to frazzle him — Diane Disney Miller
finally arrived … frazzled and miserable — Joseph Wechsberg
b. : to disturb greatly : upset
he has probably helped to open as many curious minds as he has helped to frazzle unstable ones — Time
intransitive verb
: to become frazzled : fray , wear
a thin ribbon of gray smoke … frazzled into nothingness — J.B.Clayton
guaranteed not to rip in the seams or frazzle at the sleeves — J.C.Harris
I think he rather frazzled out — G.W.Johnson
II. noun
( -s )
1. : the state of being frazzled
2.
a. : a frayed or tattered end or edge
b. : a condition of fatigue or nervous exhaustion suggesting such an end or edge
worn to a frazzle