ə̇ˈrasəbəl, (ˈ)ī|r-, -raas- adjective
Etymology: Middle French, from Late Latin irascibilis, from Latin irasci to be angry (from ira anger) + -ibilis -ible — more at ire
1. : marked by hot temper and resentful anger : having or showing a disposition to be easily incensed
his proud, irascible individualism that went out of its way to pick a quarrel — V.L.Parrington
became so irascible that within six months he lost his wife and half of his office staff — Herman Wouk
2.
a. : moved by desire for that which is attained only with difficulty or danger
b. : stirred by combative emotions (as anger, pride, courage, fear) — opposed to concupiscible
Synonyms:
choleric , splenetic , cross , testy , cranky , touchy , techy , tetchy : irascible stresses a tendency to fiery anger
the irascible but kindhearted deity who indulges in copious curses to ease his feelings — M.R.Cohen
choleric may convey suggestions of impatience and unreasonableness, in addition to indicating hot temper
that fiery formula which has sprung from the lips of so many choleric old gentlemen … “I shall write to The Times ” — Max Beerbohm
splenetic may suggest a strong inclination to quick anger coupled with moroseness, sullenness, malice, vindictiveness, or crusty peevishness
a very queer character, by turns splenetic and benevolent — Times Literary Supplement
that splenetic temper, which seems to grudge brightness to the flames of hell — W.S.Landor
cross is likely to indicate a snappish grumpy irritability
I am determined I will not be cross; it is not a little matter that puts me out of temper — Jane Austen
testy may indicate quick anger inspiring sharp acid comment and inspired by relatively trivial irritations
he raged … he was ever more autocratic, more testy — Sinclair Lewis
the testy major was in fume to find no hunter standing waiting — John Masefield
cranky may indicate an irritable temper blended with fretfulness or capriciousness
how cranky you are … don't be so absurd as … to act like a child — Anthony Trollope
she's going to have a kid, and of course women … get cranky when they're that way — Sinclair Lewis
touchy , tetchy , and techy , the first now being the most common, indicate an over sensitiveness making for irritability, defensiveness, likelihood of taking offense or being hurt
techy and impatient of contradiction, sore with wounded pride — W.H.Hazlitt
a man who had grown too touchy to make judicious decisions — Time