irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: the state of being irritated

b

: something that irritates

c

: the act of irritating

2

: a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part

Synonyms

• aggravation
• aggro [British]
• annoyance
• bother
• botheration
• exasperation
• frustration
• grief
• pip [chiefly British]
• vexation

Example Sentences

Dad's general irritation at the incessant complaining coming from the back seat of the car.

Recent Examples on the Web

The most common side effect was skin irritation around the patch. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2023

The most common side effect was skin irritation at the patch site. —Lauren Neergaard, The Enquirer, 11 May 2023

Four Viaskin patch recipients experienced an allergic reaction that was deemed related to the patch, but the most common side effect included skin irritation at the patch site. —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 11 May 2023

The goal is to treat the poison ivy rash and reduce skin irritation. —Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023

And finally, safety razors have one replaceable blade and can reduce plastic waste and skin irritation. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 4 May 2023

This is because 67% of babies have experienced skin irritation or rashes. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023

Additionally, some may experience skin irritation at the application site. —Jennifer Manfrin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2023

Health officials say chemicals in epoxy resin can cause skin irritation and asthma. —Dennis Romero, NBC News, 16 Apr. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Kids Definition

irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of irritating : the state of being irritated

2

: irritant entry 2

Medical Definition

irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: the act of irritating

b

: something that irritates

c

: the state of being irritated

2

: a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part