Added 9 October 2026
vexation
/vɛkˈseɪʃn̩/ noun
In Latin: vexātiō Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about vexation at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- The action of vexing, annoying, or irritating someone or something; an instance of this. The action of physically annoying or irritating a person or an animal; an instance of this; also, a physical discomfort or disorder. The action of vexing or annoying someone by bringing unjustified legal proceedings against them; an instance of this.
- The action of physically annoying or irritating a person or an animal; an instance of this; also, a physical discomfort or disorder.
- The action of vexing or annoying someone by bringing unjustified legal proceedings against them; an instance of this.
Origin
From Late Middle English vexacioun, vexation (“physical suffering; act of inflicting trouble (specifically through unjustified legal action); anxiety, mental distress; mental disturbance”), from Anglo-Norman vexacion, vexation, Middle French vexacion, vexation (“distress, suffering; harassment (specifically through unjustified legal action)”), and Old French vexacion, vexation (“distress, suffering; harassment”) (modern French vexation), and from their etymon Latin vexātiō (“shaking or similar violent movement; (causing of) agitation, distress, suffering; harassment, persecution; trouble”), from vexātus + -iō (suffix forming abstract nouns from verbs).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)