nuisance

American  

[noo-suhns, nyoo-] / ˈnu səns, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. an obnoxious or annoying person, thing, condition, practice, etc..

   a monthly meeting that was more nuisance than pleasure.

2. Law. something offensive or annoying to individuals or to the community, especially in violation of their legal rights.

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nuisance British  

/ ˈnjuːsəns /

noun

1. 1. a person or thing that causes annoyance or bother

   2. ( as modifier )

      nuisance calls

2. law something unauthorized that is obnoxious or injurious to the community at large ( public nuisance ) or to an individual, esp in relation to his ownership or occupation of property ( private nuisance )

3. the usefulness of a person's or thing's capacity to cause difficulties or irritation

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nuisance Idioms  

1. see make a nuisance of oneself.

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Etymology

Origin of nuisance

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English nu(i)sa(u)nce, from Anglo-French, from nuis(er) “to harm” (from Latin nocēre “to harm, injure”) + -ance -ance

Example Sentences

With the finding gone, legal experts are predicting this will now unravel, leading to a surge in what are called "public nuisance" actions.

From BBC

In the two years I battled the itch, it blossomed from a nuisance to a constant presence in my life.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gallina, 75, was clad in a floor-length dark green striped appliqué jacket and clutching a paper ticket when she declared the Olympics to be a nuisance that has “nothing to do with Milan’s essence.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The Carson City Council eventually declared a public health nuisance in October 2021.

From Los Angeles Times

“I may have to call the county sheriff and tell him you’re making a nuisance of yourself,” I told her.

From Literature