irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: the state of being irritated

b

: something that irritates

c

: the act of irritating

2

: a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part

Synonyms

• aggravation
• aggro [British]
• annoyance
• bother
• botheration
• exasperation
• frustration
• grief
• pip [chiefly British]
• vexation

Examples of irritation in a Sentence

Dad's general irritation at the incessant complaining coming from the back seat of the car.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nose and eye irritation, coughing and wheezing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes and feeling weak and tired were among the symptoms reported, according to Haynes. —Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 19 June 2024

Keep in mind that trying to scrub these products off could cause more irritation. —Kelly Hoover Greenway, Health, 19 June 2024

These skin-friendly ingredients offer a range of benefits: Jojoba soothes and moisturizes, carrot juice helps with healing and boosts melanin in the skin, while sunflower oil works to prevent irritation and provide inflammation relief. —Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 5 June 2024

Dumb cane plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling and difficulty swallowing. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Kids Definition

irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of irritating : the state of being irritated

2

: irritant entry 2

Medical Definition

irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: the act of irritating

b

: something that irritates

c

: the state of being irritated

2

: a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part