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
- irritative adjective
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.
It will hopefully help rid you of these feelings of impatience and irritation over not having your generous gift acknowledged.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026
Short-term effects may also include skin irritation and eye problems.
From Science Daily • Feb. 17, 2026
Residents nearby expressed sadness for the Guthries’ plight, combined with irritation at the disruption.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026
But it started to feel, for Manchester United, Ilett's long wait for the club to win five games in a row had become an unwanted irritation.
From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026
He would do this every few minutes, I felt a senseless stupid irritation come over me, and I did not know how to prevent myself from turning round and screaming to him to stop.
From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
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.
