Irritated
ˈɪrɪteɪtɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsFeeling or showing slight anger; annoyed or impatient.
ˈɪrɪteɪtɪd
Feeling or showing slight anger; annoyed.
She was irritated by the long wait at the doctor's office.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone's bothering you, like a mosquito buzzing around your ear. That feeling of being bothered is being irritated! Like when your sibling keeps poking you.
👶 For kids: When you're annoyed or a little bit mad at something.
More Examples
His constant interruptions made her feel irritated.
The bright lights in the theater irritated his eyes.
How It's Used
"He was irritated by the constant noise."
"The therapist observed the patient's irritated demeanor during the session."
Of a body part: inflamed or sore.
ˈɪrɪteɪtɪd
Made sore or inflamed.
Her sensitive skin became irritated by the strong soap.
💡 Simply: Like when you get a sunburn and your skin feels sore and red. That's your skin being irritated! Or when you rub your eyes too much and they become a little red.
👶 For kids: When something on your body hurts or feels a little owie.
More Examples
The scratch on his arm was starting to look irritated.
The fumes from the factory irritated his throat.
How It's Used
"The skin around the rash was visibly irritated."
"The allergic reaction left the tissues irritated."
From Latin *irritatus*, past participle of *irritare* 'to provoke, excite, or stimulate'.
The word 'irritated' has been used in similar contexts since the 16th century, reflecting the enduring experience of annoyance and physical discomfort.
Memory tip
Think of being 'irri-tated' like a cat whose tail has been accidentally stepped on.
Word Origin
"to provoke, excite, or stimulate"