irk

[ urk ]

verb (used with object)

1. to irritate, annoy, or exasperate:

   It irked him to wait in line.

   Synonyms: tire, bother, fret, chafe

irk

/ ɜːk /

verb

1. tr to irritate, vex, or annoy

Word History and Origins

Origin of irk¹

1300–50; Middle English irken to grow tired, tire < Old Norse yrkja to work, cognate with Old English wyrcan; work

Word History and Origins

Origin of irk¹

C13 irken to grow weary; probably related to Old Norse yrkja to work

Example Sentences

Indeed, McMahon seemed irked at the thought that Raw Story was trying to pull a fast one.

From Los Angeles Times

The crypto platform is irked at White’s reporting that it may have violated federal law by making political contributions while negotiating for and subsequently holding a federal contract.

From Los Angeles Times

He is known for his fiery speeches, and leading protests in unconventional ways against alleged government excesses, often irking authorities.

From BBC

I begin to avoid the people, places and things that irk me.

From Los Angeles Times

Ramirez was irked that Local Independent Online News Publishers, a trade association that partnered with Google to create Startups Lab, was asking small publishers to write to Wicks’ office to support the deal.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoy
• bother
• disturb
• gall
• inconvenience
• irritate
• peeve
• provoke
• rile
• vex