irritate
verb
ir·ri·tate
ˈir-ə-ˌtāt 
irritated; irritating
1
: to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in : annoy
2
: to induce irritability in or of
: to cause or induce displeasure or irritation
Synonyms
Examples of irritate in a Sentence
It's his arrogance that really irritates me.
The other passengers were irritated by the child's rudeness.
Harsh soaps can irritate the skin.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sulfur dioxide, a toxic gas emitted during volcanic eruptions, can irritate the respiratory system, the eyes and skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—
Ty Roush, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
However, their acid can sometimes irritate a sore throat.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024
However, retinoids are infamously irritating to some skin types—which is why a gentle iteration of the collagen-boosting ingredient is essential in a wrinkle-smoothing regime for sensitive skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2024
The twice-yearly switcheroo is irritating enough to lawmakers of all political stripes that the US Senate passed legislation in March 2022 to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for irritate 
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Ty Roush, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
However, their acid can sometimes irritate a sore throat.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024
However, retinoids are infamously irritating to some skin types—which is why a gentle iteration of the collagen-boosting ingredient is essential in a wrinkle-smoothing regime for sensitive skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2024
The twice-yearly switcheroo is irritating enough to lawmakers of all political stripes that the US Senate passed legislation in March 2022 to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for irritate
Dictionary Entries Near irritate
Cite this Entry
“Irritate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritate. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
irritate
verb
ir·ri·tate
ˈir-ə-ˌtāt
irritated; irritating
1
: to cause impatience, anger, or displeasure in : annoy
were irritated by the child's rudeness
2
: to make sore or inflamed
harsh soaps can irritate the skin
Medical Definition
irritate
verb
ir·ri·tate
ˈir-ə-ˌtāt
irritated; irritating
1
: to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in
2
: to cause (an organ or tissue) to be irritable : produce irritation in
harsh soaps may irritate the skin
3
: to produce excitation in (as a nerve) : cause (as a muscle) to contract
: to induce irritation
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