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