irk

[urk]

verb (used with object)

1. to irritate, annoy, or exasperate.

   It irked him to wait in line.

   Synonyms: tire, bother, fret, chafe

irk

/ ɜːk /

verb

1. (tr) to irritate, vex, or annoy

Word History and Origins

Origin of irk¹

1300–50; Middle English irken to grow tired, tire < Old Norse yrkja to work, cognate with Old English wyrcan; work

Word History and Origins

Origin of irk¹

C13 irken to grow weary; probably related to Old Norse yrkja to work

Example Sentences

If they don't, then expect disgruntled supporters, irked by the club's lack of business so far, to make their thoughts heard.

From BBC

There is something about this England team that particularly irks the Australians.

From BBC

Offensive lineman Jordan Mailata told reporters it irks him to hear the team described as the “defending champions.”

From Los Angeles Times

His unreliability became legendary and was beginning to irk fellow members of Black Sabbath.

From BBC

But her social media posts soon irked the Chinese internet, which then began examining her resume and challenging her claim that hard work alone had led to her success.

From BBC

Related Words

• annoy 
• bother 
• disturb 
• gall 
• inconvenience 
• irritate 
• peeve 
• provoke 
• rile 
• vex