Main Entry: vex

Pronunciation: \ˈveks\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): vexed also vext; vex·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French vexer, from Latin vexare to agitate, harry; probably akin to Latin vehere to convey — more at way

Date: 15th century

1 a : to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to <the restaurant is vexed by slow service> b : to bring physical distress to <a headache vexed him all morning> c : to irritate or annoy by petty provocations : harass <vexed by the children> d : puzzle, baffle <a problem to vex the keenest wit>
2 : to shake or toss about

synonyms see annoy