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
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
If not properly diluted, vinegar's acidity can irritate your throat or erode tooth enamel over time.
—
Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
The second walk irritated the pitcher, as home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman’s ball four call on a 3-2 count appeared incorrect.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2025
The footage fueled speculation the young starter had been crying, stirring a round of criticism from former big leaguers, adding fuel to a baseball public already irritated by his choice to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
California’s governors and legislators have a number of irritating habits, such as using sneaky tactics to pass legislation with little or no public notice, or exempting themselves from the rules that govern others.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irritate
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Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
The second walk irritated the pitcher, as home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman’s ball four call on a 3-2 count appeared incorrect.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2025
The footage fueled speculation the young starter had been crying, stirring a round of criticism from former big leaguers, adding fuel to a baseball public already irritated by his choice to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
California’s governors and legislators have a number of irritating habits, such as using sneaky tactics to pass legislation with little or no public notice, or exempting themselves from the rules that govern others.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irritate
Cite this Entry
“Irritate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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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