Vex
To irritate, annoy, or provoke; to cause distress or perplexity.
verbVex
To irritate, annoy, or provoke; to cause distress or perplexity.
verbImagine This
Imagine you're solving a difficult puzzle and a classmate keeps interrupting with trivial questions; each interruption vexes you more, until you can barely focus on the task.
Sounds Like
/vɛks/; rhymes with 'sex' and 'plex'.
Looks Like
A short, sharp word with V at the start and X at the end.
Remember This
Vex is stronger and more formal than 'annoy' and often describes persistent trouble, annoyance, or a puzzling problem.
Other Forms
Connect With
annoy, irritate, bother, perplex, exasperate, provoke
Note
Vex can describe both people who irritate and situations or problems that frustrate. The noun form is 'vexation'; related adjectives include 'vexing' and 'vexed'.
Study Deeper
- The constant interruptions vexed the presenter and disrupted the lecture.
- The puzzling cipher continued to vex the researchers for weeks.
From Latin vexare 'to harass, trouble', from vexum 'a thing that troubles'.
Very EXasperating: VEX reminds you that when something vexes you, it provokes exasperation.
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Similar Words
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