vexing Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
   annoy; rag; devil; bother; vex; irritate; nettle; rile; get to; nark; get at; gravel; chafe.
   
   • Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me
   • It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves
2. verb disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress
   vex; worry.
   
   • I cannot sleep--my daughter's health is worrying me
3. verb change the arrangement or position of
   raise up; disturb; commove; stir up; vex; shake up; agitate.
   
4. verb subject to prolonged examination, discussion, or deliberation
   vex.
   
   • vex the subject of the death penalty
5. verb be a mystery or bewildering to
   mystify; perplex; bewilder; get; beat; puzzle; pose; amaze; vex; baffle; flummox; stick; stupefy; gravel; nonplus; dumbfound.
   
   • This beats me!
   • Got me--I don't know the answer!
   • a vexing problem
   • This question really stuck me
6. adjective satellite extremely annoying or displeasing
   exasperating; maddening; infuriating.
   
   • his cavelier curtness of manner was exasperating
   • I've had an exasperating day
   • her infuriating indifference
   • the ceaseless tumult of the jukebox was maddening
7. adjective satellite causing irritation or annoyance
   pestering; nettlesome; plaguey; plaguy; galling; teasing; pesky; bothersome; vexatious; annoying; pestiferous; irritating.
   
   • tapping an annoying rhythm on his glass with his fork
   • aircraft noise is particularly bothersome near the airport
   • found it galling to have to ask permission
   • an irritating delay
   • nettlesome paperwork
   • a pesky mosquito
   • swarms of pestering gnats
   • a plaguey newfangled safety catch
   • a teasing and persistent thought annoyed him
   • a vexatious child
   • it is vexing to have to admit you are wrong

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