vexed

[vekst]

adjective

1. irritated; annoyed.

   The shop's customers were often vexed at the slow sales clerks.

2. much discussed or disputed; difficult to resolve or understand; contentious.

   The mining rights for that area are a vexed issue.

3. afflicted by torment or trouble (often used in combination).

   Citizens showed increasing frustration with the corruption-vexed government.

4. tossed about, as by waves or other physical forces.

   The loud, perpetual roar of the vexed waters filled the valley.

vexed

/ vɛkst, ˈvɛksɪdlɪ /

adjective

1. annoyed, confused, or agitated

2. much debated and discussed (esp in the phrase a vexed question )

Other Word Forms

• vexedly adverb
• vexedness noun
• half-vexed adjective
• unvexed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vexed¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; vex, -ed ²

Example Sentences

On one of the hottest days in the Damascene summer, his words interrupted by the occasional argument between other vexed patrons, Elias spoke while his eyes remained fixated on the front of the slow-moving queue.

From Los Angeles Times

This vexed question is why the proceedings of the Bank's nine member Monetary Policy Committee were so close and even involved an unprecedented second vote.

From BBC

Movie scripts, like vexed suitors, struggle to pin down a vaporous lover.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve rarely seen a judge this vexed by the department’s conduct.

From Salon

The person behind the replacement artwork, who is only willing to be identified on social media as Ryhope Horse, said they had been "vexed" every time they passed the remains of the original statue.

From BBC

Related Words

• afraid 
• agitated 
• anguished 
• anxious 
• apprehensive 
• edgy 
• fearful 
• impatient 
• insecure 
• irritable 
• jittery 
• nervous 
• precarious 
• restless 
• shaky 
• strained 
• suspicious 
• tense 
• troubled www.thesaurus.com
• uncomfortable