irritable
UK: ˈɪrɪtəbl | US: ˈɪrɪtəbl
adj. easily annoyed or angered
adj. (medical) abnormally sensitive to stimuli
The word "irritable" traces back to Latin irritabilis, derived from irritare (to provoke, excite). The root irrit- carries the sense of agitation or stimulation, while -able (from Latin -abilis) denotes capacity or tendency. Originally used in physiological contexts (e.g., "irritable nerves"), it later generalized to describe emotional sensitivity. The morphemes combine logically: irrit (provocation) + able (susceptibility) = "capable of being provoked."
Sleep deprivation made him unusually irritable.
The patient’s skin became irritable after the allergy test.
Avoid loud noises when she’s in an irritable mood.
Certain fabrics can make irritable skin conditions worse.
His irritable tone suggested he’d had a stressful day.