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
2 : to induce irritability in or ofintransitive verb : to cause or induce displeasure or irritation

— 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>.