irritation
Americannoun
-
the act of irritating or the state of being irritated.
-
something that irritates.
-
Physiology, Pathology.
-
the bringing of a bodily part or organ to an abnormally excited or sensitive condition.
-
the condition itself.
-
noun
-
something that irritates
-
the act of irritating or the condition of being irritated
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of irritation
First recorded in 1580–90, irritation is from the Latin word irrītātiōn- (stem of irrītātiō ). See irritate, -ion
Explanation
An irritation is a situation or action that annoys someone — emotionally or physically. Your off-key singing in the car might be an irritation to the driver, or that poison ivy could be an irritation as well. It's an irritation when you're bothering someone else, and it's also irritation when you're the one feeling irked: "My irritation increased the longer the train sat there, unmoving, with no explanation." The earliest meaning of this word was more physical, a "sore or swollen spot," from the Latin root word irritare, "excite or provoke."
Vocabulary lists containing irritation
That Hurts! Synonyms for "Pain"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Sound and the Fury: Synonyms for "Anger"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Unit 5, Week 1
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Entering the water can result in skin irritation, eye damage, stomach problems, and other serious health effects, alongside an increased risk of injury or drowning, the fire service added.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
“I want them to express either a frustration or an irritation in honest dialogue, and quite frankly, I’m getting it.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
Even the magic button that summons Diet Cokes to the Oval Office reappeared on the Resolute Desk last January, much to the irritation of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
Short-term exposure to acrolein by inhalation can cause nose and throat irritation and a decreased breathing rate.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
There’s the constant sense of dodging and darting, seeking your chance to cut in, the irritation of others pulling ahead of you.
From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti
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.
