rankle

[rang-kuhl]

verb (used without object)

rankled, rankling 

1. (of unpleasant feelings, experiences, etc.) to continue to cause keen irritation or bitter resentment within the mind; fester; be painful.

   Synonyms: chafe, gall, irritate

verb (used with object)

rankled, rankling 

1. to cause keen irritation or bitter resentment in.

   His colleague's harsh criticism rankled him for days.

   Synonyms: chafe, gall, irritate

rankle

/ ˈræŋkəl /

verb

1. (intr) to cause severe and continuous irritation, anger, or bitterness; fester

   his failure to win still rankles

Other Word Forms

• ranklingly adverb
• unrankled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rankle¹

1250–1300; Middle English ranclen < Middle French rancler, Old French raoncler, variant of draoncler to fester, derivative of draoncle a sore < Late Latin dracunculus small serpent, diminutive of Latin dracō serpent; dragon, carbuncle

Word History and Origins

Origin of rankle¹

C14 ranclen , from Old French draoncler to fester, from draoncle ulcer, from Latin dracunculus small serpent, from dracō serpent; see _dragon

Example Sentences

Good vibes aside, some of Hochman’s decisions have rankled line prosecutors and led to political pitfalls.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Big Beautiful Bill” included several provisions that could have rankled Musk, including a phaseout of green energy tax credits passed during the Biden administration that have benefited companies like Tesla.

From Los Angeles Times

But Schmidt would know he is highlighting a topic that might rankle with some Lions fans.

From BBC

This decision rankled with the former president and his family.

From BBC

I liked chunks of the film, but it rankled me that she framed the spouse as such a consolation-prize loser to make her heroine come off as sacrificial.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anger 
• bother 
• embitter 
• exasperate 
• gall 
• harass 
• hurt 
• inflame 
• irk 
• rile 
• torment 
• vex