— vexer , n. — vexingly , adv.
/veks/ , v.t.
1. to irritate; annoy; provoke: His noisy neighbors often vexed him.
2. to torment; trouble; distress; plague; worry: Lack of money vexes many.
3. to discuss or debate (a subject, question, etc.) with vigor or at great length: to vex a question endlessly without agreeing.
4. to disturb by motion; stir up; toss about.
5. to afflict with physical pain.
[ 1375-1425; late ME vexen vexer vexare to shake, jolt, harass, annoy, freq. of vehere to carry, convey ]
Syn. 1. anger, irk, fret, nettle. 2. hector, harry, harass.
Ant. 1. delight.