irritability
Americannoun
plural
irritabilities-
the quality or state of being irritable.
-
Physiology, Biology. the ability to be excited to a characteristic action or function by the application of some stimulus.
Protoplasm displays irritability by responding to heat.
Other Word Forms
- nonirritability noun
- superirritability noun
Etymology
Origin of irritability
From the Latin word irrītābilitās, dating back to 1745–55. See irritable, -ity
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.
"When access is disrupted, some young people may initially experience irritability, restlessness, or a sense of social disconnection… not because the platform itself is essential, but because a familiar coping mechanism has been removed."
From BBC
People with autism may take medication to reduce anxiety, address attention problems, or reduce severe irritability.
From Salon
Your frustration and irritability is a sign that your boundaries are being pushed: your emotional, familial and financial boundaries.
From MarketWatch
The milkshake had dulled what was left of Michael’s irritability.
From Literature
Just knowing that your irritability could be linked to fluctuations can make you feel like you’re not crazy.
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.
