rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryobnoxiousVery unpleasant
adjective

obnoxious

ub-NAHK-shus/əbˈnɑːkʃəs/

Extremely unpleasant or annoying.

The passenger's obnoxious horn makes the person beside him recoil.

An inconsiderate passenger blows a party horn directly beside another passenger’s ear while sprawling across a shared bench; the disturbed passenger recoils and covers his ear.
Etymology
obLatintoward
+noxiousLatininjury, harm

The pieces originally suggest being exposed to injury, not causing annoyance. The word shifted from vulnerability or subjection to being offensive and objectionable, under the influence of noxious.

In context

George Costello16:15
The Nicholas Cageless parts of this movie flip between being quite boring and obnoxious. And when it's not boring, it's quite problematic and borderline offensive.
Nic Cage’s Craziest Cameo - Never on Tuesday Movie Review - Just Nicolas Cage

More examples

  • His obnoxious remarks drove the guests away.
  • The smell was especially obnoxious in the heat.
  • She found the constant interruptions obnoxious.

Forms

obnoxious

Similar words

offensive
May stress insult or disgust rather than irritating behavior.
repellent
Repellent emphasizes causing aversion rather than general unpleasantness.