fraught
UK: frɔːt | US: frɔːt
adj. filled with or accompanied by something (typically something undesirable)
adj. causing or affected by anxiety or stress
v. (archaic) past tense of "freight" (to load a ship with cargo)
The word "fraught" originated from Middle Dutch vracht (meaning "load" or "cargo"), which evolved into the English "freight" (now "freight"). By the 16th century, "fraught" emerged as its past participle, initially describing a ship laden with cargo. Over time, it took on a figurative sense—being "loaded" with tension, danger, or emotion—retaining its core idea of being filled, but now abstractly.
The meeting was fraught with tension after the disagreement.
Her voice was fraught with emotion as she delivered the news.
The expedition grew more fraught as supplies dwindled.
(Archaic) The merchant ship was fraught with spices from the East.
Negotiations became fraught when neither side would compromise.