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Practice Irritation with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

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What does irritation mean?

A state of annoyance, frustration, or displeasure caused by something that provokes impatience, agitation, or discomfort.
"The repetitive beeping of the car alarm was a source of irritation for the entire neighborhood."

Detailed Meaning of Irritation

It involves a feeling of being bothered or agitated by an external stimulus, circumstance, or interaction. Irritation can arise from various sources, such as physical factors like allergies, injuries, or environmental conditions, as well as emotional or psychological triggers like conflicts, interruptions, or repetitive actions. It is often accompanied by a desire to alleviate or remove the source of irritation. Symptoms of irritation may include restlessness, tension, annoyance, or even anger. While irritation is a common and temporary emotional state, chronic or excessive irritation can have negative effects on overall well-being, leading to increased stress levels or strained relationships. Effective communication, self-awareness, and stress management techniques can help address and mitigate the effects of irritation.

Example Sentences for Irritation

1. The constant buzzing of mosquitoes caused irritation to the campers.
2. The rough fabric of the sweater rubbed against her skin, causing irritation.
3. The repetitive noise of the construction work outside was a constant source of irritation.
4. His sarcastic comments filled the room with irritation.
5. She felt a sense of irritation when her computer crashed just before saving her work.
6. The itchy mosquito bites added to her irritation during the hike.

Origin and Etymology of Irritation

The noun 'irritation' has its origins in the Latin word 'irritatio,' which stems from the verb 'irritare,' meaning 'to excite' or 'to provoke.' In its early Latin usage, 'irritatio' referred to the act of exciting or provoking something, whether it be emotions or reactions. Over time, this concept evolved to encompass the notion of provoking annoyance, frustration, or displeasure, giving rise to the modern sense of 'irritation' as a state of discomfort caused by something that provokes impatience or agitation. Thus, the etymology of 'irritation' reflects its historical association with the act of provocation and its impact on human emotions.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding 

Find the correct meaning of the noun irritation:

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More Usage Examples of Irritation

1. The never-ending traffic jam caused frustration and irritation among the commuters.
2. The strong smell of the cleaning chemicals triggered an allergic irritation in her nose.
3. The constant interruptions during the meeting were a major source of irritation for the participants.
4. The repetitive beeping sound of the alarm clock caused irritation and sleepless nights.
5. The scratchy tag on the back of his shirt caused irritation and discomfort throughout the day.
6. The constant stream of notifications on his phone became a source of irritation for him.
7. The loud chewing noises from the neighboring table irritated her during dinner.
8. The dry and dusty air in the desert caused irritation in her throat.
9. The slow and unreliable internet connection was a constant irritation for the remote workers.
10. The never-ending queue at the supermarket checkout caused irritation among the customers.
11. The persistent ringing of the telephone irritated him while he was trying to concentrate.
12. The constant whining of the toddler grated on her nerves, causing irritation.
13. The repetitive and monotonous tasks at work led to a feeling of irritation and boredom.
14. The harsh and bright lights in the office caused eye irritation for some employees.

Synonyms and Related Words for Irritation

agitation
annoyance
displeasure
exasperation
frustration
inconvenience
provocation
vexation

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Vocabulary Lists  >  Prefix ir-  >  Irritation
IPA: /ˌɪrɪˈteɪʃən/

How to pronounce irritation in IPA:

ɪ=sit | r=red | ɪ=sit | t=top | eɪ=say | ʃ=irritation | ə=about | n=irritation

Irritation (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

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irritation

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