irk

[ urk ]

/ ɜrk /

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See synonyms for: irk / irked / irking on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to irritate, annoy, or exasperate: It irked him to wait in line.

OTHER WORDS FOR irk

chafe, fret, bother; tire.

See synonyms for irk on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of irk

1300–50; Middle English irken to grow tired, tire <Old Norse yrkja to work, cognate with Old English wyrcan;see work

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use irk in a sentence

The Eagles’ approach to the game reportedly irked some of their players and drew sharp criticism from outside the team.
Doug Pederson ousted as coach of Philadelphia Eagles, less than three years after Super Bowl victory|Mark Maske|January 12, 2021|Washington Post
The president appears to have heard that argument, and it irks him.
Why "You Didn't Build That" Stings the Successful|David Frum|July 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
One thing that irks Thompson: Gaining access via the password-reset break-in doesn't really even qualify as hacking.
Is Weiner's Excuse Credible?|Dan Lyons|June 1, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Anthony has made an ample allowance for her, indeed such a generous one that it irks me to accept it.
A Little Girl in Old Salem|Amanda Minnie Douglas

It irks me to ask my husband, generous though he is, for every cent I use, to have to account to him for my personal expenditures.
Sundry Accounts|Irvin S. Cobb
If the King irks me I will drive my dagger between his ribs, and make myself king in Sicily.
The Proud Prince|Justin Huntly McCarthy
It irks them to grapple with problems capable of none save a tragic solution.
Views and Reviews|William Ernest Henley
Also it irks me to squat on a branch all day above a path, bearing a rock upon my thighs.
The Turtles of Tasman|Jack London

British Dictionary definitions for irk

irk

/ (ɜːk) /

verb

(tr) to irritate, vex, or annoy

Word Origin for irk

C13 irken to grow weary; probably related to Old Norse yrkja to work

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012