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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