vexation

[ vek-sey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of vexing.
2. the state of being vexed; vexed; irritation; annoyance:

   vexation at missing the bus.

3. something that vexes; a cause of annoyance; nuisance:

   Rush-hour traffic is a daily vexation.

vexation

/ vɛkˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of vexing or the state of being vexed
2. something that vexes

Other Words From

• self-vex·ation noun
• super·vex·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vexation¹

1350–1400; Middle English vexacioun < Latin vexātiōn- (stem of vexātiō ), equivalent to vexāt ( us ) (past participle of vexāre to vex; -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Strange, too, that so few books deal substantively with a near-universal vexation, by which I mean the tax system.

From New York Times

In her interpretation of these throbbing songs of forbidden love, she came from a place of clarity and equanimity rather than vexation and strife.

From New York Times

“I’m begging you, Michael, I’m begging you, try to make believe this is not just madness, because this is not just madness,” the voice pleads, pitch modulating and then oscillating through steadiness to vexation.

From New York Times

Even if you don’t care about bowling, his vexation is understandable.

From Los Angeles Times

And because it is a memoir and not a legal brief, “README.txt” can refract the vexations of this tangled history while allowing the reader to experience Manning’s layered feelings about these issues.

From Washington Post