VEXATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does vexation mean? 

• VEXATION (noun)
  The noun VEXATION has 4 senses:

1. anger produced by some annoying irritation

2. the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed

3. something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness

4. the act of troubling or annoying someone

  Familiarity information: VEXATION used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• VEXATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Anger produced by some annoying irritation

Classified under:

Nouns denoting feelings and emotions

Synonyms:

annoyance; chafe; vexation

Hypernyms ("vexation" is a kind of...):

anger; choler; ire (a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "vexation"):

irritation; pique; temper (a sudden outburst of anger)

frustration (a feeling of annoyance at being hindered or criticized)

aggravation; exasperation (an exasperated feeling of annoyance)

harassment; torment (a feeling of intense annoyance caused by being tormented)

displeasure (the feeling of being displeased or annoyed or dissatisfied with someone or something)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The psychological state of being irritated or annoyed

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

annoyance; botheration; irritation; vexation

Hypernyms ("vexation" is a kind of...):

mental condition; mental state; psychological condition; psychological state ((psychology) a mental condition in which the qualities of a state are relatively constant even though the state itself may be dynamic)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "vexation"):

bummer (an experience that is irritating or frustrating or disappointing)

huff; miff; seeing red (a state of irritation or annoyance)

pinprick (a minor annoyance)

impatience; restlessness (a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay)

snit (a state of agitated irritation)

Derivation:

vex (cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

concern; headache; vexation; worry

Context example:

it's a major worry

Hypernyms ("vexation" is a kind of...):

negative stimulus (a stimulus with undesirable consequences)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "vexation"):

bugaboo (a source of concern)

burden; encumbrance; incumbrance; load; onus (an onerous or difficult concern)

business (a rightful concern or responsibility)

Derivation:

vex (disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress)

Sense 4

Meaning:

The act of troubling or annoying someone

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

annoyance; annoying; irritation; vexation

Hypernyms ("vexation" is a kind of...):

mistreatment (the practice of treating (someone or something) badly)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "vexation"):

exasperation (actions that cause great irritation (or even anger))

red flag (something that irritates or demands immediate action)

Derivation:

vex (cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations)

 Context examples 

Her vexation did not end with the week.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

She was overpowered by shame and vexation.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

“Fool!” I cried aloud in my vexation.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

There were great vexations, however, attending such a garden as his.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Marianne moved to the window—"It is Colonel Brandon!" said she, with vexation.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

The American struck his hands together with vexation.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"And I have been as blind as a bat!" he cried, a ring of vexation in his voice.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

“Enough, sire, enough!” said the prince, flushing with vexation.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

But such splendid running was achieved not without great trouble and vexation on the part of François.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

Now for vexation, and exasperation, and endless trouble!

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)