annoy

UK: əˈnɔɪ | US: əˈnɔɪ

Definition

  1. vt. to irritate or disturb someone, often repeatedly

  2. vt. to cause mild anger or discomfort

Structure
an <intensive prefix>noy <harm, from Latin *nocere*>
Etymology

The word "annoy" traces back to the Old French anoier or enuier, meaning "to weary or harm." This derived from the Latin inodiare ("make hateful"), rooted in in- (intensive) + odium ("hatred"). The morpheme "noy" reflects the Latin nocere ("to harm"), preserved in spelling through French adaptation. Over time, "annoy" softened from causing active harm to provoking minor irritation.

Examples

  1. Loud construction noises annoy the neighbors.

  2. Don’t annoy your sister by interrupting her work.

  3. Mosquitoes annoy campers during summer nights.

  4. His constant tapping annoyed everyone in the room.

  5. She was annoyed by the delayed flight.