vex

[veks]

verb (used with object)

1. to irritate; annoy; provoke.

   His noisy neighbors often vexed him.

   Synonyms: nettle, fret, irk, anger
   Antonyms: delight

2. to torment; trouble; distress; plague; worry.

   Lack of money vexes many.

   Her arthritis vexed her all night.

   Synonyms: harass, harry, hector

3. to confuse or bewilder; confound.

   The formula vexes most of our students at first.

4. to discuss or debate (a subject, question, etc.) with vigor or at great length.

   They vexed the question endlessly without agreeing.

5. to disturb by motion; stir up; toss about.

vex

/ vɛks /

verb

1. to anger or annoy

2. to confuse; worry

3. archaic,  to agitate

Other Word Forms

• vexingly adverb
• vexing adjective
• vexer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vex¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English vexen, from Old French vexer, from Latin vexāre “to shake, jolt, harass, annoy,” frequentative of vehere “to carry, convey”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vex¹

C15: from Old French vexer, from Latin vexāre to jolt (in carrying), from vehere to convey

Example Sentences

But in these vexing and highly contentious times it surely is.

From Los Angeles Times

This vexed question is why the proceedings of the Bank's nine member Monetary Policy Committee were so close and even involved an unprecedented second vote.

From BBC

CANTON, Ohio — Trey Lance welcomes any opportunity that comes his way — a vexing four NFL seasons have only made him more eager — so Thursday night felt especially good.

From Los Angeles Times

Movie scripts, like vexed suitors, struggle to pin down a vaporous lover.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve rarely seen a judge this vexed by the department’s conduct.

From Salon

Related Words

• afflict 
• agitate 
• annoy 
• displease 
• disquiet 
• disturb 
• embarrass 
• exasperate 
• gall 
• infuriate 
• irk 
• irritate 
• offend 
• peeve 
• perplex 
• rile 
• torment