irritation

[ir-i-tey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of irritating or the state of being irritated.

2. something that irritates.

3. Physiology, Pathology.

   1. the bringing of a bodily part or organ to an abnormally excited or sensitive condition.

   2. the condition itself.

irritation

/ ˌɪrɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. something that irritates

2. the act of irritating or the condition of being irritated

Other Word Forms

• irritative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of irritation¹

First recorded in 1580–90, irritation is from the Latin word irrītātiōn- (stem of irrītātiō ). See irritate, -ion

Example Sentences

"That way your air-con system is less likely to be a source of infection and irritation and more likely to actually make the air cleaner."

From BBC

Even the faintest irritation, say a restaurant chain tinkering with its logo, can summon thousands to the same digital square.

From Salon

Yet the EPA’s own website notes that short-term exposure to EtO by inhalation can cause adverse health effects including headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal distress and vomiting.

From Los Angeles Times

When you leave the beach rinse any sand and seawater off their coat and paws with tap water to stop it causing any irritation.

From BBC

The US president has previously referenced Moscow's repeated attacks on Ukrainian cities, signalling irritation that the bombings often follow "nice" phone conversations between himself and Putin.

From BBC

Related Words

• inflammation 
• irritability 
• soreness www.thesaurus.com
• tenderness www.thesaurus.com