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

In more serious cases, salmonella can cause arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

Blood and fluid released at the time of ovulation can also cause irritation, leading to pain.3 Ovulation pain is typically felt on one side of your belly, where an egg is being released. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 1 Feb. 2025

At least one career civil servant met the order with irritation. —Selina Wang, ABC News, 31 Jan. 2025

So, women going through menopause should be careful when using essential oils that can cause irritation at high concentrations. —Eva Crouse, Flow Space, 31 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