The word of the day is 'fraught,' pronounced /frɔːt/ in the UK and /frɑːt/ in the US. It means filled with something undesirable or intense, such as tension, danger, or emotional stress. The term has its roots in Middle English, originally serving as the past participle of 'fraughten,' which meant to load or burden a ship. This evolved from the Middle Dutch and Middle Low German word 'vracht,' meaning cargo or freight. Over time, 'fraught' has come to describe not just physical burdens but also emotional and situational ones. In contemporary usage, it captures the essence of complex situations or historical periods laden with unresolved difficulties. Phrases like 'fraught with danger' are common in high-stakes discussions, highlighting the underlying tensions present in various contexts. The term has been used in literature to express anxiety and emotional weight, illustrating its cultural significance. Examples from notable works show its application in conveying stress and turmoil, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.