Irritation Meaning and Definition
Irritation
Pronunciation
/ɪˈrɪteɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A state of mental or physical discomfort, annoyance, or displeasure caused by something that disturbs or tires.
Examples
- The noise from the construction site caused an irritation to the neighbors.
- The scratch on my arm caused irritation and itchiness.
Synonyms
- Discomfort
- Aggravation
- Unpleasantness
Antonyms
- Comfort
- Pleasure
- Satisfaction
Etymology
The word “irritation” comes from the Old French word “irritacion,” which is derived from the Latin word “irritare,” meaning “to stir up” or “to excite.”
Usage Notes
Irritation is often used to describe a mild annoyance or displeasure, but it can also be used to describe more intense or prolonged feelings of discomfort.
Cultural References
Irritation is a common theme in many forms of media, from comedy sketches to literature and music. For example, the phrase “irritation factor” is often used to describe a character or situation that is annoying or frustrating.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Many idioms and phrases include the word “irritation,” such as “irritation factor,” “source of irritation,” and “irritation points.”
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “irritation” include “annoyance,” “discomfort,” “aggravation,” and “exasperation.”
Collocations
Common collocations with “irritation” include “eye irritation,” “skin irritation,” and “muscle irritation.”
Frequency of Use
Irritation is a relatively common word in modern language, with a frequency of use comparable to other words like “discomfort” and “annoyance.”
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “irritation” include “iritation,” “irratation,” and “irratiation.”