exasperation

[ig-zas-puh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. an act or instance of exasperating; provocation.

2. the state of being exasperated; irritation; extreme annoyance.

   Her exasperation at being interrupted was understandable.

Word History and Origins

Origin of exasperation¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin exasperātiōn-, stem of exasperātiō “roughness, bitterness”; equivalent to exasperate + -ion

Example Sentences

This month’s moves in the European Parliament were prompted by voters’ cry of exasperation in last year’s Continent-wide election for that body.

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His answer, tinged with an uncharacteristic air of exasperation, was firm.

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“So they tell me — so they tell me repeatedly,” Brooks says with an air of exasperation.

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Behind the scenes, there is a great deal of exasperation in Serbian government circles.

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Even before the polls had closed, Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer expressed exasperation and confusion: “What does affordability even mean?”

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Related Words

• anger 
• annoyance 
• displeasure 
• fury 
• ire 
• irritation 
• pique 
• rage 
• resentment