vex
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vex

transitive verb \ˈveks\
vexed also vextvex·ing

Definition of VEX

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

Examples of VEX

  1. This problem has vexed researchers for years.
  2. We were vexed by the delay.

Origin of VEX

Middle English, from Anglo-French vexer, from Latin vexare to agitate, harry; probably akin to Latin vehere to convey — more at way
First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with VEX

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