irritability

[ ir-i-tuh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ir·ri·ta·bil·i·ties.

1. the quality or state of being irritable.
2. Physiology, Biology. the ability to be excited to a characteristic action or function by the application of some stimulus:

   Protoplasm displays irritability by responding to heat.

Other Words From

• nonir·ri·ta·bili·ty noun
• super·irri·ta·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of irritability¹

From the Latin word irrītābilitās, dating back to 1745–55. See irritable, -ity

Example Sentences

Symptoms of the condition include irritability, making death threats to complete strangers, screaming at relatives, arguing with mirrors, excessive weight gain, poor hygiene and mental confusion.

From Salon

"The lack of sleep, irritability, brain fog - she'd be awake for hours in the night, hot sweats every single day. Everything was becoming difficult."

From BBC

On the flip side, feeling "hangry" – the phenomenon where hunger manifests in the form of anger or irritability – illustrates how what we eat, or don't eat, can also provoke negative emotions.

From Salon

An autopsy determined that he died of hyperthermia, a dangerous internal overheating that can cause confusion, irritability and a lack of coordination.

From Los Angeles Times

Her symptoms included weight loss, fatigue, tremors, a rapid heart rate — and irritability.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• irritation