fritz

¹ American

[frits] / frɪts /

verb phrase

fritz out to become inoperable.

idioms

on the fritz, not in working order.

Our TV went on the fritz last night.

Fritz ² American

[frits] / frɪts /

noun

Older Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a German, especially a German soldier.
a male given name.

fritz More Idioms

see on the blink (fritz).

Sensitive Note

Fritz was a nickname used by Allied soldiers for a German soldier during World War I and II.

Etymology

Origin of fritz¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; of obscure origin

Origin of Fritz²

1910–15; < German; common nickname for Friedrich

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Top seed Fritz, ranked seventh in the world, reached his 20th career ATP final and first since last September's Japan Open.

From Barron's

"I did a really good job just holding serve, getting through a lot of those games," said Fritz, who never faced a break point.

From Barron's

Fritz seeks an 11th career title and first since collecting his fourth Eastbourne crown last June.

From Barron's

Fritz, the 2024 US Open runner-up, seized a 3-0 lead in the first tie-breaker, served back-to-back aces for a 6-3 edge and closed out the opening set with a blast up the middle for his 14th ace.

From Barron's

In the second tie-breaker, Fritz captured the match on his first opportunity when Cilic smacked a service return forehand long.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023