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 Word Forms

• 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

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

But campuses near fire zones — those with buildings intact, including Odyssey, Canyon and Revere — are grappling with safety issues that have vexed parents and administrators, complicated the reopening process and imbued it with tension.

From Los Angeles Times

Mexico and Panama will be especially vexed by Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

Prospero’s mind is understandably vexed, but the losses he’s already endured have sharpened his vision.

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