fraught

/fɹɔːt/

Group 29Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Causing or affected by great anxiety or stress; filled with something undesirable
GRE

Example in Context

The negotiations were fraught with tension from the outset, as each side arrived with grievances that predated the current dispute by years.

Synonyms

filled withloadedtense

Etymology

Laden with anxiety — filled with tension or stress.

  • fraught (Middle English) — laden

Memory Aid

😰Sounds like “fought

After a FIGHT, the room is FRAUGHT with awkward silence and tension!

Visual Association

😨A group of friends sitting in a circle, nervously avoiding eye contact after an argument.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “fraught” mean on the GRE?

fraught (adjective) means “Causing or affected by great anxiety or stress; filled with something undesirable”. The negotiations were fraught with tension from the outset, as each side arrived with grievances that predated the current dispute by years.

How to remember “fraught” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “fraught” sounds like “fought”. After a FIGHT, the room is FRAUGHT with awkward silence and tension!

What are synonyms for “fraught”?

Common synonyms: filled with, loaded, tense.