bother

verb

• 1 [no object, with negative] take the trouble to do something:scientists rarely bother with such niceties [with infinitive]:the driver didn’t bother to ask why

• 2 [with object] (of a circumstance or event) worry, disturb, or upset (someone):secrecy is an issue which bothers journalists [with object and clause]:it bothered me that I hadn’t done anything
• [no object, usually with negative] feel concern about or interest in:don’t bother about me—I’ll find my own way home he wasn’t to bother himself with day-to-day things (as adjective bothered)I’m not particularly bothered about how I look
• cause trouble or annoyance to (someone) by interrupting or otherwise inconveniencing them:I’m sorry to bother you at this time of night

noun

• effort, trouble, or difficulty:he saved me the bother of having to come up with a speech it may seem like too much bother to cook just for yourself
• (a bother) a person or thing that causes annoyance or difficulty:I hope she hasn’t been a bother

exclamation

• used to express mild irritation or impatience:‘Bother!’ she muttered