vex

[veks]

See more synonyms for vex on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to irritate; annoy; provoke: His noisy neighbors often vexed him.
to torment; trouble; distress; plague; worry: Lack of money vexes many.
to discuss or debate (a subject, question, etc.) with vigor or at great length: to vex a question endlessly without agreeing.

to disturb by motion; stir up; toss about.
to afflict with physical pain.

Origin of vex

1375–1425; late Middle English vexen < Old French vexer < Latin vexāre to shake, jolt, harass, annoy, frequentative of vehere to carry, convey

Related formsvex·er, nounvex·ing·ly, adverb

Synonyms for vex

See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com

1. anger, irk, fret, nettle. 2. hector, harry, harass.

Antonyms for vex

1. delight.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for vexing

annoy, disturb, perplex, exasperate, displease, peeve, infuriate, disquiet, irritate, offend, rile, irk, torment, agitate, gall, embarrass, afflict, pique, hassle, anger

Examples from the Web for vexing

Contemporary Examples of vexing

If Paul Ryan visits communities to try to solve some of the most vexing problems facing our nation, will the media cover it?
Paul Ryan Opens a Door to the Congressional Black Congress
Ron Christie
May 2, 2014
The results are vexing, and increasingly dangerous as Moscow builds threats on the foundation of its own propaganda.
On the Front Lines in Ukraine’s Info War
Jamie Dettmer
April 24, 2014
For liberals, the question of how to square this circle is a vexing one.
How Did Rand Paul Become a Liberal Hero?
David Freedlander
September 29, 2013
While the U.S. has struggled to address all of these elements, the most vexing has proven to be the political process.
The U.S.’s ‘Yadda, Yadda, Yadda’ Doctrine for Syria
Jeremy Shapiro
September 15, 2013
Curiously for such a liberal politician, gun control has always proven a vexing political issue for Barack Obama.
Hillary Was Right: Obama’s Inexperience Sank Gun Deal
Stuart Stevens
April 19, 2013

Historical Examples of vexing

It was vexing to be boxed on the ears for a boy whom she had never looked in the face!
The Fte At Coqueville
Emile Zola
On the other hand, there would be some vexing formalities to go through.
'Twixt Land & Sea
Joseph Conrad
“O war chief, I think I will do that, if they speak of vexing me,” he said.
Myths and Legends of the Great Plains
Unknown
It was vexing his having moved round the corner, into North Street.
All Roads Lead to Calvary
Jerome K. Jerome
Also, the subject of vocal registers is as vexing to-day as ever.
The Child-Voice in Singing
Francis E. Howard

British Dictionary definitions for vexing

vex

verb (tr)

to anger or annoy
to confuse; worry
archaic to agitate

Derived Formsvexer, nounvexing, adjectivevexingly, adverb

Word Origin for vex

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

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

Word Origin and History for vexing

vex

early 15c., from Middle French vexer, from Latin vexare "to attack, harass, trouble," from vexus, collateral form of vectus, past participle of vehere "to draw, carry" (see vehicle). Related: Vexed; vexing.