Nettle (Verb)
Meaning 1
Cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations; "Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me"; "It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves".
Classification
Verbs of feeling.
Examples
- His constant criticism began to nettle her, making her question her abilities.
- The sound of fingernails on the chalkboard really nettles me.
- Small children's incessant whining can nettle even the calmest of parents.
- Her condescending tone nettles him, making it hard for him to focus on the conversation.
- It nettles me that he never acknowledges my contributions to the team.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
Sting with or as with nettles and cause a stinging pain or sensation.
Classification
Verbs of seeing, hearing, feeling.
Examples
- Her scathing criticism will nettle him and cause him a great deal of emotional pain.
- The strong detergent began to nettle his skin, causing it to redden and itch.
- His harsh words will nettle her and might cause her to become defensive.
- The thorny bush started to nettle her leg, stinging her painfully as she brushed against it.
- Her sister's sharp tongue was notorious for being able to nettle even the most patient person.