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irritate

Pronunciation: /ˈɪrɪteɪt/

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Definition of irritate

verb

[with object]
  • 1make (someone) annoyed or a little angry:his tone irritated her
  • 2cause inflammation or other discomfort in (a part of the body): sprays and polishes can irritate dry, sensitive skin
  • Biology stimulate (an organism, cell, or organ) to produce an active response.

Derivatives

irritative

adjective

irritator

noun

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'excite, provoke'): from Latin irritat- 'irritated', from the verb irritare

irritate in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of irritate in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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