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vex, soothe, calm, appease
agitate,annoy,bother,exasperate,gall,irk,nettle,peeve,pester,provoke,rile,vex
irritate
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Dictionary definition of irritate
To cause annoyance, frustration, or provocation in someone or something.
"His constant humming began to irritate me during the long journey."
Detailed meaning of irritate
When one irritates, they trigger a state of displeasure or agitation, typically by their actions, words, or behavior. Irritation can manifest in various forms, such as physical discomfort, emotional annoyance, or mental disturbance. It often involves repeatedly or persistently engaging in behaviors that provoke or bother others, resulting in feelings of irritation. Common irritants can include noise, disruptions, rudeness, or repetitive actions. To irritate is to elicit negative reactions or responses, such as anger, impatience, or distress, from the person or entity being affected. While irritation is often unintentional, it can also be employed as a deliberate tactic to antagonize or provoke a reaction. Overall, the verb 'irritate' encompasses the act of causing annoyance, provocation, or disturbance, resulting in negative feelings or reactions in others.
Example sentences of irritate
1. The persistent sound of the leaky faucet would irritate anyone trying to sleep.
2. The scratchy fabric of the new shirt irritates my skin.
3. It irritates me when people talk loudly in the library.
4. When the bright light shone directly into my eyes, it irritated them.
5. The endless repetition of the same commercial irritates me every time I watch TV.
6. It doesn't usually irritate me, but today his jokes were exceptionally annoying.
History and etymology of irritate
The verb 'irritate' can be traced back to its Latin origins. It finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'irritare,' which means 'to excite' or 'to provoke.' In Latin, this term was used to describe the act of stimulating or provoking a reaction, whether positive or negative. Over time, as the language evolved, 'irritare' began to emphasize the idea of provocation in a more negative sense, particularly annoyance or frustration. The word eventually made its way into English, retaining its fundamental meaning of causing annoyance, frustration, or provocation in someone or something. Therefore, the etymology of 'irritate' underscores its historical association with provocation and irritation, capturing the essence of its modern usage.
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Further usage examples of irritate
1. Her tendency to interrupt others during conversations irritates everyone in the room.
2. The dust from the construction site irritates my allergies every morning.
3. The continuous honking of the cars on the street irritates my ears.
4. Your lack of consideration irritates me more than anything else.
5. His arrogance has begun to irritate even his closest friends.
6. The constant noise from the construction site can irritate residents.
7. Her habit of interrupting conversations tends to irritate people.
8. Persistent telemarketing calls can irritate even the most patient person.
9. The repetitive music in the elevator tends to irritate passengers.
10. His condescending tone never fails to irritate his coworkers.
11. It's important to avoid behaviors that may irritate your partner.
12. Dust and pollen in the air can irritate allergies.
13. The slow internet connection can irritate online gamers.
14. Ignoring safety guidelines can seriously irritate your supervisor.
15. Rush-hour traffic always has the potential to irritate commuters.
16. Waiting in long lines can irritate customers at the grocery store.
17. Repeatedly forgetting deadlines can irritate your boss.
18. The constant beeping of car alarms can irritate neighbors.
19. Unclear instructions can easily irritate employees.
20. Poor customer service can quickly irritate clients.
21. Unexpected software glitches tend to irritate users.
22. His sarcastic comments often irritate his classmates.
23. The excessive use of jargon can irritate conference attendees.
24. Stubborn stains on clothing can irritate anyone trying to remove them.
25. Inconsiderate behavior can irritate those around you.
