irritated
UK: ˈɪrɪteɪtɪd | US: ˈɪrɪteɪtɪd
adj. feeling annoyed or impatient
vt. (past tense of irritate) caused annoyance or discomfort
irritated = irrit<provoke> + ate<verb suffix> + ed<past participle suffix>
- irrit (from Latin irritare, meaning "to provoke, excite")
- ate (verb-forming suffix, indicating action)
- ed (past participle suffix, indicating completed action or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word irritated traces back to Latin irritare, meaning "to provoke" or "excite." Over time, it evolved into Middle English as irritaten, retaining its core sense of causing annoyance. The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb, while -ed marks its past participle form, often used adjectivally to describe a provoked state. The logical progression reflects a shift from physical provocation (e.g., irritating a wound) to emotional agitation.
She became irritated by the constant noise.
His vague answers irritated the interviewer.
The scratchy fabric irritated her skin.
He sighed, clearly irritated by the delay.
Avoid topics that might irritate an already irritated audience.