vex

[veks]

verb (used with object)

1. to irritate; annoy; provoke.

   His noisy neighbors often vexed him.

   Synonyms: nettle, fret, irk, anger
   Antonyms: delight

2. to torment; trouble; distress; plague; worry.

   Lack of money vexes many.

   Her arthritis vexed her all night.

   Synonyms: harass, harry, hector

3. to confuse or bewilder; confound.

   The formula vexes most of our students at first.

4. to discuss or debate (a subject, question, etc.) with vigor or at great length.

   They vexed the question endlessly without agreeing.

5. to disturb by motion; stir up; toss about.

vex

/ vɛks /

verb

1. to anger or annoy

2. to confuse; worry

3. archaic,  to agitate

Other Word Forms

• vexer noun
• vexing adjective
• vexingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of vex¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English vexen, from Old French vexer, from Latin vexāre “to shake, jolt, harass, annoy,” frequentative of vehere “to carry, convey”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vex¹

C15: from Old French vexer, from Latin vexāre to jolt (in carrying), from vehere to convey

Example Sentences

Slow domestic demand is vexing Chinese authorities, but young people in particular appear willing to splurge on "emotional consumption" -- things that make them feel good.

Read more on Barron's

More recently, volatility in stocks and an uncertain outlook for the Federal Reserve have made the problem even more vexing.

Read more on Barron's

And this habit of blaming the three Incorrigible children for all sorts of things that were simply not their fault—at least, not entirely—was vexing, to say the least.

Read more on Literature

England's main questions surround the left-back spot, central defence, that vexed number 10, and the left side of England's attack.

Read more on BBC

What to do about vegetation like shrubs, plants and grasses within the first 5 feet of homes has proved more vexing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afflict 
• agitate 
• annoy 
• displease 
• disquiet 
• disturb 
• embarrass 
• exasperate 
• gall 
• infuriate 
• irk 
• irritate 
• offend 
• peeve 
• perplex 
• rile 
• torment