vexed

[ vekst ]

adjective

1. irritated; annoyed:

   The shop's customers were often vexed at the slow sales clerks.

2. much discussed or disputed; difficult to resolve or understand; contentious:

   The mining rights for that area are a vexed issue.

3. afflicted by torment or trouble (often used in combination):

   Citizens showed increasing frustration with the corruption-vexed government.

4. tossed about, as by waves or other physical forces:

   The loud, perpetual roar of the vexed waters filled the valley.

vexed

/ vɛkst; ˈvɛksɪdlɪ /

adjective

1. annoyed, confused, or agitated
2. much debated and discussed (esp in the phrase a vexed question )

Derived Forms

• ˈvexedness, noun
• vexedly, adverb

Other Words From

• vex·ed·ly [vek, -sid-lee], adverb
• vex·ed·ness noun
• half-vexed adjective
• un·vexed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vexed¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; vex, -ed ²

Example Sentences

Their sudden and unexplained disappearance has long vexed aviation experts and helped enshrine Earhart’s place in American culture.

From Los Angeles Times

Evidence for canvassing’s efficacy is vexed, however: social scientists have shown the practice of going door to door to have near-zero persuasive power, and, unless the message is highly personalized, an uncertain effect on turnout.

From Salon

The bill sponsored by Bass aims to solve the logistical problem that has vexed city officials for years — where to store towed RVs.

From Los Angeles Times

On a recent, bustling Saturday night at a trendy cocktail bar on Chicago’s near northwest side, my friend perused the menu full of bespoke drinks — most containing bitter aperitifs — and looked vexed.

From Salon

The Biden administration is treading a thin line as it attempts to usher Venezuela’s dictator out of office without falling into the costly traps that vexed previous U.S. governments and angered Latin American allies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afraid
• agitated
• anguished
• anxious
• apprehensive
• edgy
• fearful
• impatient
• insecure
• irritable
• jittery
• nervous
• precarious
• restless
• shaky
• strained
• suspicious
• tense
• troubled
• uncomfortable