'fret' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'frētan', where the root meant 'to devour' or 'to eat away'.

'fret' changed from the Old English verb 'frētan' and passed through Middle English forms before becoming the modern English word 'fret'. The ornamental sense is attested from Old English/Old Norse influences for decorative terms.

Initially it meant 'to devour or eat away', but over time it evolved to the sense of 'to gnaw at mentally' and now commonly means 'to worry' or, as a noun, 'a strip on a stringed instrument' or 'an ornamental pattern'.