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 Word Forms

• 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

If US territorial ambitions for Canada are, in fact, a "real thing", it presents a simple, vexing question.

From BBC

Given what happened, that would be a vexed question.

From BBC

He teased, cajoled and vexed his listeners, daring them to explore the "devilish" contours of his mind, as he sang rash rhymes about parties, drugs and "seducing" women.

From BBC

Trump hit on a lot of other notes from the “America first” playlist that vex democratic allies.

From Los Angeles Times

Milla’s choices are vexing, but her frustration with the condescending medical establishment is also understandable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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