Fretful
/ˈfrɛt.fəl/noun
Feeling or expressing distress or irritation.
Did you know?The word 'fret' originates from an Old English term meaning 'to devour or consume', hinting at how anxiety can eat away at our peace.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*fratwō
“to devour or consume”
Old English
OE
fretan
“to seize, devour, or consume”
Middle English
ME
fretten
“to vex, trouble, or consume with worry”
14th Century
Middle English
fretful
“characterized by anxiety or irritation, often tied to restless emotions”
Modern English
English
fretful
“expressing or feeling distress, irritation, or anxiety”