Word of the Day: vex

vex transitive verb \ˈveks\ : to annoy or worry (someone)

vexed also vext vex·ing

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Full Definition of VEX

1a: to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to <the restaurant is vexed by slow service>

b: to bring physical distress to <a headache vexed him all morning>

c: to irritate or annoy by petty provocations : harass<vexed by the children>

d: puzzle, baffle<a problem to vex the keenest wit>

2: to shake or toss about

Origin of VEX

Middle English, from Anglo-French vexer, from Latin vexare to agitate, harry; probably akin to Latin vehere to convey — more at way

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to VEX

Synonyms

aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, burn (up), chafe, eat, exasperate, frost, gall, get, grate, gripe, hack (off), irk, itch, nark [British], nettle, peeve, persecute, pique, put out, rasp, rile, ruffle, spite, irritate

Related Words

hassle, heckle; nag; inflame (also enflame), provoke, rouse; badger, bait, bullyrag (also ballyrag), devil, hagride, harass, harry, pester, plague, tease; anger, antagonize, enrage, incense, infuriate, madden, rankle, roil; agitate, discomfort, discompose, disquiet, distress, exercise, freak (out), fret, perturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, worry; affront, insult, miff, offend, outrage

Near Antonyms

appease, conciliate, mollify, oblige, pacify, placate, propitiate; delight, gladden, gratify, please, satisfy; assure, cheer, comfort, console, content, quiet, reassure, solace, soothe

Definition source: http://www.merriam-webster.com

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