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

In an impromptu phone interview that came after the Journal shared details about its reporting with the White House, the president expressed irritation about the public debate over his health.

From The Wall Street Journal

So far, it has been the Ukrainian leader who has borne the brunt of his pressure, irritation and anger.

From BBC

He expressed particular irritation about the lack of high-quality fish, Watson said.

From The Wall Street Journal

No one detonates a room with honesty and irritation quite like Bill Burr, and his latest, “Drop Dead Years,” shows the comedian in his fully evolved form.

From Los Angeles Times

The coach’s irritation is no comfort to Baltimore fans, who have seen their team’s slimming playoff chances cut in half.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• inflammation
• irritability
• soreness
• tenderness