vex - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

vex

to annoy someone by intentionally or persistently bothering them with small, annoying actions or behaviorsto annoy someone by intentionally or persistently bothering them with small, annoying actions or behaviors

Examples

The constant buzzing of the mosquito vexed me all night.
His habit of tapping his pen on the desk during the lecture vexed the entire class.
His constant teasing vexed his younger sister.

Synonyms

devil nark chafe bother irritate gravel rag get to get at rile nettle annoy

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vex

Third Person

vexes

Present Participle

vexing

Past Tense

vexed

Past Participle

vexed

1

to annoy someone by intentionally or persistently bothering them with small, annoying actions or behaviors

transitive

The constant buzzing of the mosquito vexed me all night.
His habit of tapping his pen on the desk during the lecture vexed the entire class.
His constant teasing vexed his younger sister.
The continuous interruptions were vexing her.
His sarcastic comments often vex me.

Synonyms:

devil nark chafe bother irritate gravel rag get to get at rile nettle annoy

2

to confuse or bewilder someone, making them unsure or unable to understand something

transitive

The difficult puzzle vexed him for hours without a solution.
The complex instructions vexed the team, causing delays.
The unexpected outcome of the experiment vexed the researchers.
His cryptic answer only served to vex the interviewer more.
The riddle at the end of the book vexed me for days.

Synonyms:

stick beat nonplus dumbfound bewilder amaze flummox mystify gravel stupefy perplex baffle puzzle get pose

3

to discuss or argue a topic with great energy or for a long time

transitive

The committee vexed the issue of funding for hours without reaching a conclusion.
They vexed the question of whether to approve the new policy until everyone was exhausted.
The debate team vexed the topic of climate change, presenting all sides of the argument.
He vexed the problem of the company’s declining sales during the meeting.
They spent the entire evening vexing the question of where to hold the next event.

4

to move something repeatedly or violently back and forth

transitive

He vexed the papers on his desk, unable to find what he needed.
The breeze vexed the leaves, sending them fluttering across the ground.
The strong winds vexed the branches, making them sway wildly.
The angry crowd vexed the barricades, pushing and shoving to get through.
She vexed the blanket, trying to shake off the crumbs.

Synonyms:

agitate raise up stir up shake up commove disturb

5

to irritate or annoy someone by causing trouble or distress

transitive

It would vex anyone to deal with such a difficult customer.
Trying to assemble the furniture without clear instructions can vex anyone.
The ongoing delays in the project vexed the entire team.
The slow internet connection vexes me when I'm trying to work.
The new regulations vexed the workers, making their tasks more difficult.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

6

to cause discomfort, pain, or physical irritation

transitive

The itchy mosquito bites began to vex him during the camping trip.
The tight shoes vexed her toes, causing blisters.
The bee sting vexed her for hours, causing swelling and discomfort.
His sprained ankle vexed him during the hiking trip, slowing down the group.