irritant

1 of 2

noun

ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt 

: something that irritates or excites

irritant

2 of 2

adjective

: causing irritation

specifically : tending to produce physical irritation

Synonyms

Noun

• aggravation
• aggro [British]
• annoyance
• bother
• botheration
• bugbear
• exasperation
• frustration
• hair shirt
• hassle
• headache
• inconvenience
• irk
• nuisance
• peeve
• pest
• rub
• ruffle
• thorn
• trial
• vexation

Examples of irritant in a Sentence

Noun

dust and other lung irritants

The delay was a minor irritant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Gentle nail care, topical corticosteroids, avoiding irritants, and moisturizing the nails and skin Summary Maintaining healthy nails requires proper care, nutrition, and avoidance of irritants and injury. —Patty Weasler, Rn, Bsn, Verywell Health, 24 Dec. 2024

The saltwater solution clears the nasal cavity, flushing away mucus, bacteria and other irritants. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Trump’s supporters focus on policy matters and downplay his personality issues as merely an irritant. —Avi Nelson, Boston Herald, 30 Oct. 2024

Officials warned residents not to touch the substance after initially saying some of the snow measured a pH level of 10, making the substance an alkali and a skin irritant. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1636, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

irritant

1 of 2 adjective

ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt 

: tending to produce anger, annoyance, impatience, soreness, or inflammation

especially : tending to produce physical irritation

irritant

2 of 2 noun

: something that irritates

Medical Definition

irritant

1 of 2 adjective

ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt 

: causing irritation

specifically : tending to produce inflammation

irritant

2 of 2 noun

: something that irritates or excites

specifically : an agent by which irritation is produced

a chemical irritant