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irritateOne entry found. Main Entry: ir·ri·tate Pronunciation: \ˈir-ə-ˌtāt\ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): ir·ri·tat·ed; ir·ri·tat·ing Etymology: Latin irritatus, past participle of irritare Date: 1598 transitive verb 1 : to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in : annoy — ir·ri·tat·ing·ly \-ˌtā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb synonyms irritate, exasperate, nettle, provoke, rile, peeve mean to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance. irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage <constant nagging that irritated me greatly>. exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience <his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions>. nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging <your pompous attitude nettled several people>. provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action <remarks made solely to provoke her>. rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation <the new work schedules riled the employees>. peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation <a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie>.
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