ENGLISH
REFERENCE

irritation

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪɹɪˈteɪʃən// UK //ˌɪɹɪtˈeɪʃən// ir·ri·ta·tion

n. a feeling of being slightly angry or annoyed. It can also mean a painful or red feeling on your skin.

n. a state of annoyance or slight anger; also refers to a condition of inflammation or soreness in a body part.


SIMPLE

He could not hide his irritation with the slow service.

CONTEXTUAL

The constant noise from the construction site next door was a source of great irritation to the office workers.

COMPLEX

While the initial rash was minor, the patient reported that the irritation worsened significantly after exposure to the harsh chemicals used in the laboratory.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French irritation, from Latin irrītātiō, from irrītāre (“to excite”).

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general emotion or physical state; countable when referring to a specific source of annoyance.

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