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

Rosewater offers anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing redness and calming irritation, while hyaluronic acid delivers lightweight hydration, ensuring the skin stays moisturized without clogging pores. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Jan. 2025

While generally safe, saline drops can sometimes cause mild irritation or dryness, so adjust usage as needed. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2025

In one scene, as the infection spreads to Blake's mind, warping his face, Abbott must bite into the prosthetics on his arm to show Blake reacting to the irritation from his wound. —EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025

Short-term exposure can cause irritation, breathing difficulties and exacerbation of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

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