Words / B2

IR-it-ayt/ˈɪrɪteɪt/

To irritate is to annoy, or to make skin/eyes sore: irritate heads; an irritant. Annoy is everyday; infuriate is stronger. Late boundaries irritate heads. Irritating is the adjective. Medical: an irritant chemical. Do not use irritate for a life-changing injury.

Meaning

To annoy someone; also to make skin or eyes sore.

Examples

• “Late grade boundaries irritate heads trying to set sixth-form offers.”
• “The chlorine can irritate the eyes, which is the lab-safety sense.”

Good to know

irritate someone; irritate the skin / eyes. Everyday: annoy. Stronger: infuriate. Noun: irritation / irritant. News and COSHH. Mild harm or annoyance.

Near in meaning

annoy

New