rankle

[ˈraŋk(ə)l]

rankle Definition

• 1. cause annoyance or resentment that persists
• 2. be painful

Using rankle: Examples

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

• Example

  The unfair treatment rankled him for years.

• Example

  The criticism rankled her deeply.

• Example

  The wound continued to rankle even after it had healed.

• Example

  The insult rankled in his mind for days.

rankle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for rankle

• irritate
• annoy
• irk
• provoke
• exasperate

Antonyms for rankle

• appease
• calm
• soothe

Phrases with rankle

• rankle with someone

  cause persistent annoyance or resentment in someone

  Example

  The unfair treatment rankled with him for years.

• rankle in one's mind

  persistently cause annoyance or resentment in one's mind

  Example

  The insult rankled in his mind for days.

• rankle a wound

  cause a wound to be painful and inflamed

  Example

  The saltwater rankled the wound and made it sting.

Origins of rankle

from Old French 'rancler', meaning 'to fester'

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Summary: rankle in Brief

'Rankle' [ˈraŋk(ə)l] is a verb that means to cause persistent annoyance or resentment, often used in the context of unfair treatment or criticism. It can also refer to physical pain that persists, as in 'The wound continued to rankle even after it had healed.' Phrases like 'rankle with someone' and 'rankle in one's mind' emphasize the persistent nature of the feeling.