transitive verb 1 : to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in : annoy 2 : to induce irritability in or of intransitive verb : to cause or induce displeasure or irritation
synonyms irritate , exasperate , nettle , provoke , rile ,
peeve mean to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance.
irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage <constant nagging that irritated me greatly>.
exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience <his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions>.
nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging <your pompous attitude nettled several people>.
provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action <remarks made solely to provoke her>.
rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation <the new work schedules riled the employees>.
peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation <a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie>.