vex Definition
to make someone feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.
Using vex: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vex" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The noise from the construction site vexed the neighbors.
Example
Her constant complaining vexes me.
Example
He was vexed by the delay in his flight.
Example
The difficult puzzle vexed even the smartest students.
vex Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using vex
Example
Don't talk to him right now, he's vexed as a bear with a sore head.
Example
The vexed question of the day is whether or not to reopen schools during the pandemic.
Example
She was vexed in spirit after the breakup with her boyfriend.
Phrases with vex
Example
The tragic news of her friend's death vexed her spirit for weeks.
Example
The debate over gun control is a vexed question in American politics.
Example
The scientist spent years trying to solve the vexed problem of climate change.
Origins of vex
from Old French 'vexer', meaning 'to annoy'
Summary: vex in Brief
The verb 'vex' [veks] means to annoy, frustrate, or worry someone, often with trivial matters. It can refer to anything from a noisy construction site to a difficult puzzle. The phrase 'vexed question' denotes a controversial issue that is hard to resolve, while 'vexed problem' refers to a complex and difficult problem. 'Vexed as a bear with a sore head' is an idiom used to describe extreme annoyance or irritability.