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VEXATION
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I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
The act of troubling or annoying someone
Synonyms:
annoyance; annoying; irritation; vexation
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Hypernyms ("vexation" is a kind of...):
mistreatment (the practice of treating (someone or something) badly)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "vexation"):
exasperation (actions that cause great irritation (or even anger))
red flag (something that irritates or demands immediate action)
Derivation:
vex (cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness
Example:
it's a major worry
Synonyms:
concern; headache; vexation; worry
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Hypernyms ("vexation" is a kind of...):
negative stimulus (a stimulus with undesirable consequences)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "vexation"):
bugaboo (a source of concern)
burden; encumbrance; incumbrance; load; onus (an onerous or difficult concern)
business (a rightful concern or responsibility)
Derivation:
vex (disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Anger produced by some annoying irritation
Synonyms:
annoyance; chafe; vexation
Classified under:
Nouns denoting feelings and emotions
Hypernyms ("vexation" is a kind of...):
anger; choler; ire (a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "vexation"):
irritation; pique; temper (a sudden outburst of anger)
frustration (a feeling of annoyance at being hindered or criticized)
aggravation; exasperation (an exasperated feeling of annoyance)
harassment; torment (a feeling of intense annoyance caused by being tormented)
displeasure (the feeling of being displeased or annoyed or dissatisfied with someone or something)
Sense 4
Meaning:
The psychological state of being irritated or annoyed
Synonyms:
annoyance; botheration; irritation; vexation
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Hypernyms ("vexation" is a kind of...):
mental condition; mental state; psychological condition; psychological state ((psychology) a mental condition in which the qualities of a state are relatively constant even though the state itself may be dynamic)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "vexation"):
bummer (an experience that is irritating or frustrating or disappointing)
huff; miff; seeing red (a state of irritation or annoyance)
pinprick (a minor annoyance)
impatience; restlessness (a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay)
snit (a state of agitated irritation)
Derivation:
vex (cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations)
Context examples:
Emma remained in a state of vexation too; but there was more indistinctness in the causes of her's, than in his.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
My father was enraptured on finding me freed from the vexations of a criminal charge, that I was again allowed to breathe the fresh atmosphere and permitted to return to my native country.
(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)
The carter was forced at last to leave his cart behind him, and to go home overflowing with rage and vexation.
(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)
Another momentary vexation occurred.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
As they passed over the hill the Hammer-Heads yelled with vexation, and shot their heads high in the air, but they could not reach the Winged Monkeys, which carried Dorothy and her comrades safely over the hill and set them down in the beautiful country of the Quadlings.
(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)
I was that day shown to twelve sets of company, and as often forced to act over again the same fopperies, till I was half dead with weariness and vexation; for those who had seen me made such wonderful reports, that the people were ready to break down the doors to come in.
(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)
It was not in her nature, however, to increase her vexations by dwelling on them.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
Everybody began to have their vexation.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
We perfectly understand the present vexation; and everybody must love you the better for such a noble honest affection.
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
Life worried and bored him, and time was a vexation.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
