Vex

Pronunciation

• IPA: /vÉ›ks/
• Rhymes: -É›ks

Origin

From Middle English vexen, from Old French vexer, from Latin vēxāre ("disturb, agitate"). Replaced native Middle English grillen ("to vex, annoy") from Old English grillan.

Full definition of vex

Verb

1. (transitive, now rare) To trouble aggressively, to harass.
• 1526, William Tyndale, trans. Bible, Acts XII:In that tyme Herode the kynge layed hondes on certayne of the congregacion, to vexe them.
2. (transitive) To annoy, irritate.Billy's professor was vexed by his continued failure to improve his grades.
3. (transitive) To cause (mental) suffering to; to distress.
4. (transitive, rare) To twist, to weave.
• Drydensome English wool, vexed in a Belgian loom
5. (intransitive, obsolete) To be irritated; to fret.
6. (transitive) To toss back and forth; to agitate; to disquiet.
• Alexander PopeWhite curl the waves, and the vexed ocean roars.

Synonyms

• (to annoy) agitate, irritate
• (to cause mental suffering) afflict, torment

Derived terms