BOTHER

I. verb (~ed; ~ing) Etymology: origin unknown Date: 1728 transitive verb to annoy especially by petty provocation ; irk , to intrude upon ; pester , to cause to be somewhat anxious or concerned , intransitive verb to become concerned , to take pains ; take the trouble , see: annoy II. noun Date: 1788 1. a state of petty discomfort, annoyance, or worry, something that causes petty annoyance or worry, fuss