Irritation (Noun)
Meaning 1
The neural or electrical arousal of an organ or muscle or gland.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The irritation of the nerve endings in the skin caused a painful sensation.
- The doctor explained that the irritation of the salivary gland was causing the patient's excessive drooling.
- The irritation of the muscle fibers led to muscle spasms and cramping.
- The irritation of the sensory receptors in the eye caused the patient to experience intense sensitivity to light.
- The irritation of the smooth muscle in the airways caused the patient's asthma symptoms to worsen.
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Meaning 2
Unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The rude customer service representative's tone and attitude were a source of irritation to the frustrated caller.
- Her constant interrupting was an irritation to everyone involved in the meeting.
- The loud noise from the construction site was a major irritation to the people living in the nearby apartment building.
- The driver's aggressive maneuvers on the road were an irritation to the other motorists who were trying to get to work on time.
- The politician's condescending speech was a source of irritation to many of the voters who felt talked down to.
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Meaning 3
An uncomfortable feeling of mental painfulness or distress.
Classification
Nouns denoting feelings and emotions.
Examples
- I couldn't sleep last night due to the irritation of having to get up early for work the next day.
- Her constant nagging had been an irritation to him throughout their relationship.
- The noise from the construction site outside my window was a constant source of irritation.
- Losing my phone was a huge irritation, especially since I had all my contacts stored on it.
- The long commute was a daily irritation that had been wearing her down for months.
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Meaning 4
(pathology) abnormal sensitivity to stimulation; "any food produced irritation of the stomach".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The patient's skin irritation was so severe that even gentle touch caused her pain.
- Certain fabrics can cause irritation of the skin, especially for people with allergies.
- The doctor warned that the new medication might cause irritation of the eyes.
- Any food produced irritation of the stomach in the patient, who had a sensitive digestive system.
- The allergist diagnosed the child with a severe irritation of the nasal passages, which was causing her congestion.
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Meaning 5
The psychological state of being irritated or annoyed.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The constant noise from the construction site was a source of irritation for the residents of the apartment building.
- Her irritation grew as she waited in line for over an hour to buy tickets to the concert.
- The teacher's condescending tone sparked irritation in the student, who felt belittled and disrespected.
- The driver's irritation was evident as he honked his horn repeatedly at the slow-moving car in front of him.
- The politician's evasive answers to the journalist's questions caused irritation among the audience, who felt they were being misled.
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Meaning 6
A sudden outburst of anger; "his temper sparked like damp firewood".
Classification
Nouns denoting feelings and emotions.
Examples
- Her eyes flashed with irritation as she realized she had been waiting in line for over an hour.
- The constant noise of the construction site outside his window was a source of growing irritation for John.
- His irritation boiled over when he discovered that his roommate had eaten the last of his favorite cereal.
- The itch on her arm was becoming an unbearable irritation, and she couldn't stop scratching it.
- As the delay continued, the passengers' irritation turned to anger, and they began to demand answers from the airline staff.
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Meaning 7
The act of troubling or annoying someone.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- Her constant chatter was an irritation to everyone on the bus during the long ride home.
- The noise from the construction site was a source of great irritation to the residents of the apartment building.
- Not being able to get his favorite video game was a major irritation for the young gamer.
- Losing his phone was a huge irritation for John, who relied on it for work and social interactions.
- Dealing with rude customers all day was a growing irritation for the store clerk.