verb
exasperate
ig-ZAS-puh-rayt/ɪɡˈzæspəreɪt/
To irritate or frustrate someone intensely.
The colleague's pencil drumming exasperates the man trying to work.
Etymology
The pieces express “make thoroughly rough.” The Latin verb also meant “irritate” or “provoke,” connecting physical roughness with the emotional disturbance of intense annoyance or frustration.
In context
he spoke quietly, throwing a sneer into the tone so as to exasperate his companion
More examples
- His refusal to listen exasperates even the most patient teachers.
- The automated phone menu exasperated me.
- Repeated delays are exasperating passengers at the airport.
Forms
exasperate · exasperates · exasperated · exasperating
exasperation noun — A feeling of intense irritation or frustration.