nettle
UK: ˈnet(ə)l | US: ˈnet(ə)l
n. A herbaceous plant with stinging hairs, typically causing skin irritation.
vt. To irritate or provoke someone.
The word "nettle" traces back to Old English netele, derived from Proto-Germanic natilō, which is linked to the Proto-Indo-European root ned- (to twist, knot). The plant’s name likely references its fibrous stems, historically used for weaving, while the stinging property became its defining trait. The verb sense ("to irritate") emerged metaphorically in the 16th century, mirroring the plant’s physical effect.
She accidentally brushed against a nettle and winced at the sting.
His sarcastic remarks never failed to nettle his colleagues.
Nettles thrive in nitrogen-rich soil.
The child learned to avoid the nettles growing by the path.
Her criticism seemed designed to nettle him into responding.