to make someone feel slightly angry and impatient, to cause irritation or discomfort

annoy the pants off someone, annoying habit, annoying person

Formal and Informal Expressions of annoy

In different contexts, you can replace 'annoy' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'irritate, vex, provoke' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bug, bother, get on someone's nerves' is a commonplace synonym.

annoy: Explore its Definition & Usage

annoy Definition

1to make someone feel slightly angry and impatient
2to cause irritation or discomfort

Using annoy: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "annoy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The sound of the dripping faucet really annoys me.
Example
It annoys me when people don't clean up after themselves.
Example
The constant interruptions were starting to annoy her.

annoy Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for annoy

Antonyms for annoy

Phrases with annoy

annoy the pants off someone
to irritate or bother someone a lot
Example
His constant whistling was annoying the pants off me.
annoying habit
a behavior that is irritating or bothersome
Example
Her annoying habit of tapping her foot during meetings was distracting to others.
annoying person
someone who is irritating or bothersome
Example
He can be an annoying person to be around when he's in a bad mood.

Origins of annoy

from Old French 'enoier', meaning 'to drown'

📌

Summary: annoy in Brief

'Annoy' [əˈnɔɪ] means to make someone feel slightly angry and impatient, or to cause irritation or discomfort. It is often used to describe behaviors or actions that bother or irritate others, such as 'The sound of the dripping faucet really annoys me.' 'Annoy' can also be used in phrases like 'annoy the pants off someone,' which means to irritate or bother someone a lot.