Irritate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when something causes slight anger or discomfort, typically a minor or temporary situation.

• The constant buzzing of the mosquito irritated me.
• Her loud chewing irritated everyone at the table.

Use when something causes mild anger or discomfort, often repeatedly. It has a slightly more negative connotation than 'irritate'.

• The kids were annoyed by the slow internet speed.
• Her constant interruptions annoyed him.

Use when something elicits a strong reaction or emotion, usually negative and often intentionally.

• The rude comment provoked him to respond angrily.
• Their actions were intended to provoke a reaction.

Use when a situation or feeling is made worse or more severe. It can also mean to irritate but with a sense of intensification.

• Scratching the rash will only aggravate it.
• His comments aggravated an already tense situation.

Use when something causes irritation or distress, but often used in a more formal or literary context.

• The delay in delivery vexed the customers.
• She was vexed by the constant demands.

Use when something causes discomfort or inconvenience, often in a minor way.

• Does the noise from the construction site bother you?
• It bothers me when people are late.

This word is often used when someone or something causes mild annoyance or discomfort. It can also refer to a physical irritation, such as skin irritation.

• His constant humming started to irritate me
• The wool sweater irritated her skin

This word is used to describe making feelings or a situation more intense or severe, especially emotions like anger or conflict. It has a negative connotation.

• His inflammatory remarks only served to inflame the crowd
• The news inflamed public opinion against the politician

This word is typically used to describe making a bad situation worse. It has a negative connotation and often implies increasing the severity of a problem.

• Don't shout, it will only aggravate the argument
• Ignoring the problem will just aggravate it

This word is used in more formal contexts to describe making a negative situation even worse, particularly in professional or academic settings.

• The new policy could exacerbate income inequality
• Using harsh chemicals could exacerbate the skin condition

This word is straightforward and is used to describe any situation that becomes more severe or bad over time.

• The weather is expected to worsen over the weekend
• Her health may worsen without proper medical attention

This word is generally used to describe causing slight trouble, inconvenience, or annoyance. It is often used in everyday situations.

• It bothers me when you leave your shoes in the hallway
• Can I bother you for a minute to ask a question?