vex

[ veks ]

verb (used with object)

1. to irritate; annoy; provoke:

   His noisy neighbors often vexed him.

   Synonyms: nettle, fret, irk, anger

   Antonyms: delight

2. to torment; trouble; distress; plague; worry:

   Lack of money vexes many.

   Her arthritis vexed her all night.

   Synonyms: harass, harry, hector

3. to confuse or bewilder; confound:

   The formula vexes most of our students at first.

4. to discuss or debate (a subject, question, etc.) with vigor or at great length:

   They vexed the question endlessly without agreeing.

5. to disturb by motion; stir up; toss about.

vex

/ vɛks /

verb

1. to anger or annoy
2. to confuse; worry
3. archaic.
   to agitate

Derived Forms

• ˈvexingly, adverb
• ˈvexing, adjective
• ˈvexer, noun

Other Words From

• vex·er noun
• vex·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vex¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English vexen, from Old French vexer, from Latin vexāre “to shake, jolt, harass, annoy,” frequentative of vehere “to carry, convey”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vex¹

C15: from Old French vexer, from Latin vexāre to jolt (in carrying), from vehere to convey

Example Sentences

When it comes to the vexing problem of red or any other gradient, when we both agree that a thing is some color, is it really exactly the same as the color in your mind?

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

Let’s celebrate the end of the most vexing, mean-spirited presidential election in modern times.

From Los Angeles Times

For now, let’s celebrate the end of the most vexing, mean-spirited and household-dividing presidential election in modern times, as it heaves itself across the finish line and crumples in a lousy heap.

From Los Angeles Times

It is this uncertainty that vexes political pundits and campaign strategists alike.

From BBC

Related Words

• afflict
• agitate
• annoy
• displease
• disquiet
• disturb
• embarrass
• exasperate
• gall
• infuriate
• irk
• irritate
• offend
• peeve
• perplex
• rile
• torment