I. ˈveks verb
( vexed also vext ˈvekst ; vexed also vext ; vexing ; vexes )
Etymology: Middle English vexen, from Middle French vexer, from Latin vexare to shake, injure, annoy, probably from vehere to carry, convey — more at way
transitive verb
1. : to bring trouble or distress to: as
a. : to subject to mental suffering : cause agitation or anxiety to : interfere with the peace and quiet of by or as if by encroachment
vexing his mind to recall the address
vexed by a restless desire for change
tasks that vex our quiet days
b. : to bring physical distress to : cause bodily pain or anguish
vexed with a rheumatic disorder
a headache had vexed him all day
c. : to irritate or annoy by or as if by petty provocations : harass to anger : plague
a lazy stubborn boy who vexed his father daily
was vexed with the heedless crowds
d. : to cause difficulty to in respect to finding a solution or answer
a puzzle to vex the keenest wit
e. : tease , torment
don't vex the cat
2. : to go over in careful and minute detail : debate or discuss at length
many men have vexed this question without reaching a solution
3. : to perturb by physical agitation : shake or toss about : batter , belabor
wintry winds vexing the forest giants
a coast vexed by waves
intransitive verb
: to suffer distress (as of mind) : become irritated : fret , worry
how foolish to vex over such trivia
Synonyms: see annoy
II. noun
( -es )
Scotland : vexation , annoyance , disturbance