vexed

[vekst]

adjective

1. irritated; annoyed.

   The shop's customers were often vexed at the slow sales clerks.

2. much discussed or disputed; difficult to resolve or understand; contentious.

   The mining rights for that area are a vexed issue.

3. afflicted by torment or trouble (often used in combination).

   Citizens showed increasing frustration with the corruption-vexed government.

4. tossed about, as by waves or other physical forces.

   The loud, perpetual roar of the vexed waters filled the valley.

vexed

/ vɛkst, ˈvɛksɪdlɪ /

adjective

1. annoyed, confused, or agitated

2. much debated and discussed (esp in the phrase a vexed question )

Other Word Forms

• vexedness noun
• vexedly adverb
• half-vexed adjective
• unvexed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vexed¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; vex, -ed ²

Example Sentences

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

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

The person behind the replacement artwork, who is only willing to be identified on social media as Ryhope Horse, said they had been "vexed" every time they passed the remains of the original statue.

From BBC

He left the Arizona Senate — and electoral politics — in 2019, vexed and frustrated by the rise of Trump and the anti-immigrant wave he rode to his first, improbable election to the White House.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afraid 
• agitated 
• anguished 
• anxious 
• apprehensive 
• edgy 
• fearful 
• impatient 
• insecure 
• irritable 
• jittery 
• nervous 
• precarious 
• restless 
• shaky 
• strained 
• suspicious 
• tense 
• troubled www.thesaurus.com
• uncomfortable