fret
Translation
to worry, to be anxious, to agonize
Examples
Don't fret about the small things.
Don't fret about the small things.
She fretted that she would be late.
She fretted that she would be late.
Grammar Patterns
to fret about ((sth.)) to worry about (sth.) Don't fret about the exam.
to fret that ((clause)) to worry that (sth. will happen) She fretted that she had forgotten her keys.
Similar Words
Synonyms: worry, brood, agonize; Antonyms: relax, disregard
Etymology
From Old English 'fretan', meaning 'to devour', as if worries are eating or consuming you.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone 'fretting' their hands together nervously. The repeated motion is like the feeling of worry.