peeve

[peev]

verb (used with object)

peeved, peeving 

1. to render peevish; annoy.

noun

1. a source of annoyance or irritation.

   Tardiness is one of my greatest peeves.

   Synonyms: grievance, affliction, vexation

2. an annoyed or irritated mood.

   to be in a peeve.

peeve

/ piːv /

verb

1. (tr) to irritate; vex; annoy

noun

1. something that irritates; vexation

   it was a pet peeve of his

Other Word Forms

• peeved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peeve¹

1905–10, back formation from peevish

Word History and Origins

Origin of peeve¹

C20: back formation from _peevish

Example Sentences

“I didn’t come here to play games, and that’s kind of what this is feeling like to me,” says one peeved competitor on this romance game show, “And it’s a little disappointing.”

Read more on Salon

I went to Italy for the first time two years ago and learned that one of their pet peeves is how we say “pistachio.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Voters attracted to Reform don't come from any one political tribe, but ask pollsters and they share a sentiment – they're pretty peeved with the UK in 2025.

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The Martha Stewart Living founder, who appears peeved occasionally throughout the documentary, told Fallon she didn’t enjoy the process of making the film.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Going to Brentford would be tough anyway, but I watched the Bees at Old Trafford last week and they must be pretty peeved to have lost after such a good first half.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• disturb 
• exasperate 
• gall 
• irk 
• irritate 
• rile 
• vex