peeve

[ peev ]

verb (used with object)

, peeved, peev·ing.

1. to render peevish; annoy.

noun

1. a source of annoyance or irritation:

   Tardiness is one of my greatest peeves.

   Synonyms: grievance, affliction, vexation

2. an annoyed or irritated mood:

   to be in a peeve.

peeve

/ piːv /

verb

1. tr to irritate; vex; annoy

noun

1. something that irritates; vexation

   it was a pet peeve of his

Derived Forms

• peeved, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peeve¹

1905–10, Americanism; back formation from peevish

Word History and Origins

Origin of peeve¹

C20: back formation from peevish

Example Sentences

The Martha Stewart Living founder, who appears peeved occasionally throughout the documentary, told Fallon she didn’t enjoy the process of making the film.

From Los Angeles Times

Going to Brentford would be tough anyway, but I watched the Bees at Old Trafford last week and they must be pretty peeved to have lost after such a good first half.

From BBC

One of my great peeves of the Trump era is the Greenland effect.

From Los Angeles Times

Legitimately peeved about Barkley’s interruption, O’Neal refused to answer Johnson’s question about the playoff series.

From Los Angeles Times

“So, we are forced to spend time and money on fighting Crooked Joe Biden, he polls badly after having a terrible debate, and quits the race,” a clearly peeved Trump wrote Sunday on Truth Social.

From Salon