irritate

[ir-i-teyt] / ˈɪr ɪˌteɪt /

VERB

upset, anger

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate annoy bother confuse disturb enrage exasperate gall incense inflame infuriate irk offend peeve provoke rankle rattle rile sour vex

STRONG

abrade affront bug burn chafe distemper fret get grate harass madden needle nettle pain pester pique rasp roil ruffle try

WEAK

drive up the wall get on nerves get under skin put out rub the wrong way

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid alleviate appease calm comfort delight encourage help make happy order organize pacify placate please soothe

STRONG

assist assuage mollify

VERB

hurt, chafe

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate inflame sting

STRONG

burn erupt fret intensify itch pain redden rub sensitize sharpen swell

Antonyms

STRONGEST

alleviate appease soothe

STRONG

aid calm help please

WEAK

assist assuage delight

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even the flickering fluorescent light didn’t irritate him very much.

From Literature

Jeb had irritated me some over the last few days, but I was disappointed to find the place was deserted.

From Literature

The expression on its face was cranky, and Jeremy's head began to swirl with irritated shades of brown and green.

From Literature

But still, in the scheme of things she was way ahead, and she was acting all poor-me pitiful, and it got him irritated.

From Literature

I made to follow, but Mr. Dovlo grabbed my arm, “Not you!” he said, irritated.

From Literature