irritate
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈɪrɪteɪt/
KK: /ˈɪrɪˌteɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel annoyed or angry.
Example
The loud noise from the construction site can irritate the neighbors.
Tense Forms
Past: irritated
Past Participle: irritated
Conversation
Why does it always seem like the same things irritate me over and over?
I get that! Sometimes it feels like little things just pile up, right?
Exactly! Like when my phone keeps buzzing for no reason, it really starts to irritate me.
Yeah, I can see how that would be frustrating; maybe try turning it off for a bit!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
vex
annoy
disturb
Antonyms
calm
please
soothe
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone feel annoyed or angry, often by causing discomfort or disturbance.
Example
The loud music can irritate people who are trying to concentrate.
Tense Forms
Past: irritated
Past Participle: irritated
Conversation
Did you notice how that loud music can really irritate people in the cafe?
Absolutely! It makes it hard to concentrate or have a conversation.
Right? I think it's rude when people play it too loud.
Root Explanation
Irritate → It is formed from "ir-" (meaning not) and "ritus" (from Latin, meaning to stir or to disturb). The word "irritate" means to disturb or provoke someone, often causing annoyance or discomfort.
Memory Tip
Think of something that 'disturbs' ('ritus') you 'not' being calm ('ir-') — that's why irritate means to annoy or provoke.
Visually Confused Words
abirritate
unirritated
viritrate
irradiate
iridate
inirritative
imitate
cirrate