vex
to confuse or bewilder; confound: The formula vexes most of our students at first.
to discuss or debate (a subject, question, etc.) with vigor or at great length: They vexed the question endlessly without agreeing.
to disturb by motion; stir up; toss about.
Origin of vex
1Other words for vex
Opposites for vex
Other words from vex
- vex·er, noun
- vex·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use vex in a sentence
The team knew that the gas varied naturally with sunspots, seasons, and latitude, but this drop-off vexed them.
5 famous environmental disasters where humans and nature healed together | Meera Subramanian | February 16, 2021 | Popular-ScienceYou can understand why it vexes supporters of activist government.
That Coulson and Brooks are close friends of the prime minister vexes the picture still further.
And here I spoke and saluted Mrs. Pierce, but being in haste could not learn of her where her lodgings are, which vexes me.
Diary of Samuel Pepys, Complete | Samuel PepysI shewed him no friendly look, but he took no notice to me of the Wardrobe business, which vexes me.
Diary of Samuel Pepys, Complete | Samuel Pepys
I must refuse your application, then, although I see it vexes you.
The Tiger Hunter | Mayne ReidNothing vexes a man so much as the consciousness of being an object of mirth or ridicule.
In the matter of Savoy, it has vexed and vexes me, I do confess to you.
The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume II | Elizabeth Barrett Browning
British Dictionary definitions for vex
/ (vɛks) /
to anger or annoy
to confuse; worry
archaic to agitate
Origin of vex
1Derived forms of vex
- vexer, noun
- vexing, adjective
- vexingly, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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