verb
vex
VEKS/veks/
To annoy or trouble someone.
The repeatedly buzzing fly vexes the annoyed adult.
Etymology
Latin vexare meant physically shaking or jolting people, but also harassing or troubling them. That figurative disturbance underlies the annoyance or mental trouble expressed by vex.
In context
… she was as agreeable and polite as if nothing at all had occurred to vex her.
More examples
- His habit of interrupting vexes everyone at the table.
- Don't let one rude comment vex you.
- The unexplained delay vexed us for hours.
Forms
vex · vexes · vexed · vexing
vexation noun — A feeling of annoyance or distress.