vexed

American  

[vekst] / vɛkst /

adjective

1. irritated; annoyed.

   The shop's customers were often vexed at the slow sales clerks.

2. much discussed or disputed; difficult to resolve or understand; contentious.

   The mining rights for that area are a vexed issue.

3. afflicted by torment or trouble (often used in combination).

   Citizens showed increasing frustration with the corruption-vexed government.

4. tossed about, as by waves or other physical forces.

   The loud, perpetual roar of the vexed waters filled the valley.

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vexed British  

/ vɛkst, ˈvɛksɪdlɪ /

adjective

1. annoyed, confused, or agitated

2. much debated and discussed (esp in the phrase a vexed question )

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Other Word Forms

• half-vexed adjective
• unvexed adjective
• vexedly adverb
• vexedness noun

Etymology

Origin of vexed

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; vex, -ed ²

Example Sentences

This close alignment with American interests has at times vexed the Danish population.

From The Wall Street Journal

More broadly, however, Rogan appeared as torn by the vexed issue of immigration as so many other Americans.

From The Wall Street Journal

In his statement, he said the post had followed Mr Lammy's visit to the Caribbean when he was foreign secretary and was about the "vexed issue" of reparations for former colonial nations affected by slavery.

From BBC

But it has long vexed visitors to the predominantly Buddhist country - which is also known for its vibrant party scene.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• afraid
• agitated
• anguished
• anxious
• apprehensive
• edgy
• fearful
• impatient
• insecure
• irritable
• jittery
• nervous
• precarious
• restless
• shaky
• strained
• suspicious
• tense
• troubled
• uncomfortable