rankle
verb (used without object)
(of unpleasant feelings, experiences, etc.) to continue to cause keen irritation or bitter resentment within the mind; fester; be painful.
was rankling
-
past progressiveof rankle.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Within Facebook, Mr. Zuckerberg’s more engaged style was rankling employees.
From New York Times ● May 16, 2020
It was not only the pain of his recent wound—though that may have added to his irritation—but the sting of defeat that was rankling in his soul—defeat under such eyes as those of Marion Wade!
From The White Gauntlet by Mayne Reid
The insult - for so he considered it - was rankling in him.
From The Revolution in Tanner's Lane by Mark Rutherford
He made a point of seeming to regret nothing and he let himself go and said everything that was rankling in him.
From Jean-Christophe, Volume I by Gilbert Cannan
Had she guessed how much Richard knew, and how the knowledge was rankling in his bosom, she might have done differently.
From Ethelyn's Mistake by Mary Jane Holmes
