nuisance

[noo-suhns, nyoo-]

noun

1. an obnoxious or annoying person, thing, condition, practice, etc..

   a monthly meeting that was more nuisance than pleasure.

2. Law.,  something offensive or annoying to individuals or to the community, especially in violation of their legal rights.

nuisance

/ ˈnjuːsəns /

noun

1. 1. a person or thing that causes annoyance or bother

   2. ( as modifier )

      nuisance calls

2. law something unauthorized that is obnoxious or injurious to the community at large ( public nuisance ) or to an individual, esp in relation to his ownership or occupation of property ( private nuisance )

3. the usefulness of a person's or thing's capacity to cause difficulties or irritation

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuisance¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English nu(i)sa(u)nce, from Anglo-French, from nuis(er) “to harm” (from Latin nocēre “to harm, injure”) + -ance -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuisance¹

C15: via Old French from nuire to injure, from Latin nocēre

Idioms and Phrases

see make a nuisance of oneself.

Example Sentences

In some cases, loose skin can cause irritation and lead to infection, but for many people, the effects are less severe and more of an unwanted nuisance.

From BBC

Ministers committed to holding the summit following warnings that gull attacks were posing a risk to health and safety and a nuisance to local businesses.

From BBC

It follows a nuisance abatement action brought by the town “after years of inaction by the property’s owners, the Charles Co., and its affiliate M&A Gabaee,” the city said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

A man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of CS gas and causing a public nuisance following the partial evacuation of Heathrow Airport on Monday night.

From BBC

By contrast, noises associated with law enforcement are such familiar nuisances on the relatively bare streets of South L.A. that they are treated as if they are part of the natural environment.

From Los Angeles Times