irritation
Americannoun
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the act of irritating or the state of being irritated.
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something that irritates.
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Physiology, Pathology.
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the bringing of a bodily part or organ to an abnormally excited or sensitive condition.
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the condition itself.
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noun
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something that irritates
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the act of irritating or the condition of being irritated
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Critics argue that this policy clearly isn't working, if the terms and conditions are unreadable, and cookie choices are an irritation rather than a valued defence.
From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026
"These are commonly used as heat stabilizers in PVC and have been linked with skin irritation, which is a common complaint among hair extension users."
From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026
Residents nearby expressed sadness for the Guthries’ plight, combined with irritation at the disruption.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026
When venture capitalist Bradley Tusk dials others and encounters call screening, his first reaction is irritation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026
“Bah! Last time was a wasted question,” the emperor said with a snort of irritation.
From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin
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.
