irritate

[ ir-i-teyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ir·ri·tat·ed, ir·ri·tat·ing.

1. to excite to impatience or anger; annoy.

   Synonyms: inflame, infuriate, enrage, incense, pic, ruffle, nettle, gall, fret, chafe, vex

2. Physiology, Biology. to excite (a living system) to some characteristic action or function.
3. Pathology. to bring (a body part) to an abnormally excited or sensitive condition.

verb (used without object)

, ir·ri·tat·ed, ir·ri·tat·ing.

1. to cause irritation or become irritated.

irritate

/ ˈɪrɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. to annoy or anger (someone)
2. tr biology to stimulate (an organism or part) to respond in a characteristic manner
3. tr pathol to cause (a bodily organ or part) to become excessively stimulated, resulting in inflammation, tenderness, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈirriˌtator, noun

Other Words From

• irri·tator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of irritate¹

1525–35; < Latin irrītātus, past participle of irrītāre to arouse to anger, excite, aggravate, equivalent to irritā- v. stem + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of irritate¹

C16: from Latin irrītāre to provoke, exasperate

Synonym Study

Irritate, exasperate, provoke mean to annoy or stir to anger. To irritate is to excite to impatience or angry feeling, often of no great depth or duration: to irritate by refusing to explain an action. To exasperate is to irritate to a point where self-control is threatened or lost: to exasperate by continual delays and excuses. To provoke is to stir to a sudden, strong feeling of resentful anger as by unwarrantable acts or wanton annoyance: to tease and provoke an animal until it attacks.

Example Sentences

WARNING: This experiment uses chemicals that can irritate skin and damage clothes, so make sure to use safety goggles, lab apron, and nitrile gloves.

From National Geographic Kids

Although head lice are not related to poor hygiene and are not considered a health hazard because they do not transmit disease, their presence can result in frequent scratching of the scalp, which can irritate the skin and lead to infection.

From Los Angeles Times

This comes after some video podcasters have groused about the number of commercial breaks in their shows, which can irritate paying listeners.

From Los Angeles Times

Bonus: The toe is seamless, so there’s no bulky stitching to irritate your little piggies.

From Los Angeles Times

“Your hair might feel brittle and it can irritate skin issues like eczema.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aggravate
• annoy
• bother
• confuse
• disturb
• enrage
• exasperate
• gall
• incense
• inflame
• infuriate
• irk
• offend
• peeve
• provoke
• rankle
• rattle
• rile
• sour
• vex