fraught
What does "fraught" mean?
The word "fraught" describes a situation or experience that is filled with tension, anxiety, or stress. Imagine a tightrope walker balancing high above the ground; the atmosphere is "fraught" because any small mistake could lead to disaster. It suggests an underlying sense of danger or emotional weight. While it is most commonly used to describe emotional states—as in "a fraught silence"—it is also frequently used in the phrase "fraught with," meaning filled with something undesirable, like danger, peril, or risk. It is a formal word, best suited for professional writing or serious discussions rather than casual conversation.
"fraught" in conversation
Work meeting
The negotiation process has become incredibly fraught lately.
The negotiation process has become incredibly fraught lately.
I agree, the tension in the room is palpable.
I agree, the tension in the room is palpable.
Used to describe a high-stress professional environment.
Discussing a trip
Are you still planning to drive through that storm?
Are you still planning to drive through that storm?
No, the route is fraught with danger right now.
No, the route is fraught with danger right now.
Used with the preposition 'with' to describe inherent risks.
"fraught" in a sentence
The meeting was fraught with tension.
The meeting was fraught with tension.
Their relationship was fraught with misunderstanding and resentment.
Their relationship was fraught with misunderstanding and resentment.
The path to achieving peace in the region remains fraught with complex political obstacles.
The path to achieving peace in the region remains fraught with complex political obstacles.
