vex
Americanverb (used with object)
-
His noisy neighbors often vexed him.
- Antonyms:
- delight
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to torment; trouble; distress; plague; worry.
Lack of money vexes many.
Her arthritis vexed her all night.
-
to confuse or bewilder; confound.
The formula vexes most of our students at first.
-
to discuss or debate (a subject, question, etc.) with vigor or at great length.
They vexed the question endlessly without agreeing.
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to disturb by motion; stir up; toss about.
verb
-
to anger or annoy
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to confuse; worry
-
archaic to agitate
Other Word Forms
- vexer noun
- vexing adjective
- vexingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of vex
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English vexen, from Old French vexer, from Latin vexāre “to shake, jolt, harass, annoy,” frequentative of vehere “to carry, convey”
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.
Slow domestic demand is vexing Chinese authorities, but young people in particular appear willing to splurge on "emotional consumption" -- things that make them feel good.
From Barron's
More recently, volatility in stocks and an uncertain outlook for the Federal Reserve have made the problem even more vexing.
From Barron's
England's main questions surround the left-back spot, central defence, that vexed number 10, and the left side of England's attack.
From BBC
What to do about vegetation like shrubs, plants and grasses within the first 5 feet of homes has proved more vexing.
From Los Angeles Times
“The best way to solve the vexing problems of poverty, racism, and disinvestment is not by providing market-based microsolutions,” she pointed out.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
