irritation

American  

[ir-i-tey-shuhn] / ˌɪr ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of irritating or the state of being irritated.

2. something that irritates.

3. Physiology, Pathology.

   1. the bringing of a bodily part or organ to an abnormally excited or sensitive condition.

   2. the condition itself.

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irritation British  

/ ˌɪrɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. something that irritates

2. the act of irritating or the condition of being irritated

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Other Word Forms

• irritative adjective

Etymology

Origin of irritation

First recorded in 1580–90, irritation is from the Latin word irrītātiōn- (stem of irrītātiō ). See irritate, -ion

Example Sentences

The export flood also exposes Beijing to increasing irritation among its trading partners, particularly in Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal

The statement was met with mixture of irritation and jokes in the replies.

From MarketWatch

Even his country of choice for exile -- Algeria, a nation with which Mali has strained diplomatic relations -- is a source of irritation for the junta.

From Barron's

Night had fallen, and even by the yellow glow of the gaslights, I could see her irritation flare up.

From Literature

“Save you from what?” said Molly, irritation returning.

From Literature

Related Words

• inflammation
• irritability
• soreness
• tenderness