irritation

[ir-i-tey-shuhn]

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.

irritation

/ ˌɪrɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. something that irritates

2. the act of irritating or the condition of being irritated

Other Word Forms

• irritative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of irritation¹

First recorded in 1580–90, irritation is from the Latin word irrītātiōn- (stem of irrītātiō ). See irritate, -ion

Example Sentences

Penelope tried to conceal her irritation, but honestly!

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She carried a frilly parasol against the sun, and twirled it to and fro in irritation.

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Ms. Lovette’s choreography presents her cast—mostly as solos and duos—in miscellaneous, acrobatic forays, sometimes tricked out with gestures suggesting aggression or irritation.

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Kennedy stood up, unable to hide his irritation.

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Prosecutors told a court in Aachen that he showed "irritation" and a lack of empathy to patients who required a higher level of care, and accused him of playing "master of life and death".

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Related Words

• inflammation 
• irritability 
• soreness www.thesaurus.com
• tenderness www.thesaurus.com