-
to make someone feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.
synonyms:irritatedisturb
Middle English, from Latin 'vexare' meaning 'to shake' or 'to disturb'.
Everyday use; commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.
While not used daily by everyone, 'vex' appears often in literature and conversations about emotions.
The constant noise from the construction site began to vex her as she tried to work.
He was vexed by the repeated questions about his plans for the weekend.
Trying to solve the complex puzzle only served to vex him further.
The word 'vex' has a playful yet irksome charm, suggesting a sense of annoyance that is often more amusing than serious. Its roots trace back to Latin, where it meant 'to shake', hinting at the emotional turbulence it can evoke. While it may not be a daily staple in everyone's vocabulary, it pops up often enough in literary works and conversations to keep it relevant. Next time you find yourself in a minor annoyance, remember, you're simply being vexed!