vexed 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 troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
   harried; annoyed; pestered; harassed.
   
   • harassed working mothers
   • a harried expression
   • her poor pestered father had to endure her constant interruptions
   • the vexed parents of an unruly teenager
7. adjective satellite causing difficulty in finding an answer or solution; much disputed
   
   • the vexed issue of priorities
   • we live in vexed and troubled times

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