irritability
UK: ˌɪrɪtəˈbɪləti | US: ˌɪrɪtəˈbɪləti
n. the quality or state of being easily annoyed or provoked
n. (medical) abnormal sensitivity or exaggerated response to stimuli
The word "irritability" traces back to Latin irritabilitas, combining irritare (to provoke) with the suffix -abilitas (capacity). Originally used in physiology to describe tissue responsiveness (18th century), it later generalized to emotional sensitivity. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "irrit" (provocation) + "ability" (tendency) = a tendency to react to provocation.
Sleep deprivation increases irritability in most people.
The patient's irritability was a symptom of the neurological disorder.
His constant interruptions tested her irritability.
Caffeine can heighten irritability in some individuals.
The medication list included "mood swings and irritability" as side effects.