verb
vex
vehks
Vex (verb) means to annoy or irritate someone. Example: “It vexes me when people talk during films.”
verb
1
To annoy or irritate someone.
"The first thing that greets you on entering the church is a notice asking you not to vex the goat, since it renders valuable service in keeping the churchyard tidy."
— AA book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd (1980)
"Billy's professor was vexed by his continued failure to improve his grades."
"It vexes me when people talk during films."
2
To cause someone worry or distress.
"The unresolved question continued to vex the research team for years."
How to use vex
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo annoy, irritate, or trouble someone.
When to use it
Somewhat formal or literary — "annoy" or "irritate" are more common in everyday speech.
Common pairings
vex someone
a vexing problem
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Word forms
- Plural
- vexes
- Third person singular
- vexes
- Past tense
- vexed, vext
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It _____ me when people talk during films.
Etymology
From Old French vexer, from Latin vexare, "to disturb, agitate, annoy".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “vex” mean?
The word “vex” means to annoy or irritate someone. In plain terms, to annoy, irritate, or trouble someone.
How do you pronounce “vex”?
“Vex” is pronounced vehks (/vɛks/ in IPA).
How do you use “vex” in a sentence?
Here is “vex” used in a sentence: “It vexes me when people talk during films.”
What is another word for “vex”?
Words with a similar meaning to “vex” include afflict, aggrieve, plague, atray, cag and distress.
What is the opposite of “vex”?
The opposite of “vex” — its antonyms — are alleviate and comfort.
What part of speech is “vex”?
“Vex” is a verb.
Where does the word “vex” come from?
The word “vex” comes from Latin. From Old French vexer, from Latin vexare, "to disturb, agitate, annoy".
How many meanings does “vex” have?
“Vex” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to annoy or irritate someone.
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