irritant
UK: ˈɪrɪtənt | US: ˈɪrɪtənt
n. a substance or agent that causes irritation or inflammation
adj. causing irritation or annoyance
The word "irritant" derives from Latin irritare (to provoke, excite, or annoy), combined with the suffix -ant, which forms nouns indicating an agent or adjective forms. The root irrit- retains its core meaning of provoking a reaction, whether physical (e.g., inflammation) or emotional (e.g., annoyance). The suffix -ant (from Latin -antem) is commonly used in English to denote "one who does" or "having the quality of." Over time, "irritant" evolved to describe both tangible irritants (e.g., chemicals) and abstract annoyances.
Pollen is a common irritant for people with allergies.
The constant noise became an irritant to the office workers.
Avoid using skincare products with known irritants.
His dismissive tone was an irritant during the meeting.
The chemical acts as an irritant to the eyes and skin.