irritation

• Nom désignant l'état de celui qui est irrité, une brusque manifestation de colère ou un sentiment désagréable de trouble; peut aussi désigner une sensibilité anormale à une stimulation ou l'action de provoquer chez quelqu'un un vif mécontentement.

A noun referring to the state of being annoyed, a sudden outburst of anger, or an uncomfortable feeling of mental distress; it can also denote abnormal sensitivity to stimulation or the act of troubling someone.

1. State of annoyanceB1informal

   The feeling of being slightly angry or frustrated, often due to something persistent or bothersome.

   Irritation (état d'agacement)

   • His constant tapping caused me great irritation.
   • She tried to hide her irritation at the delay.
   • The buzzing fly was a source of growing irritation.

   Synonymesaggravationannoyancechagrindispleasureexasperationfrustrationvexation

   Antonymescalmnesscontentmentdelightpleasuresatisfaction

2. Sudden angry outburstB2informal

   A brief, intense expression of annoyance or impatience.

   Accès de colère soudain

   • In a moment of irritation, he snapped at his friend.
   • She felt a flash of irritation when he interrupted her.
   • His irritation boiled over into a shouting match.

   Synonymesblowuperuptionexplosionfitflare-upoutbursttantrum

3. Abnormal sensitivity (pathology)B2formalmedical

   A medical condition where tissues or nerves react excessively to stimuli, causing discomfort or pain.

   Irritation (sensibilité anormale)

   • The skin irritation cleared up with a soothing cream.
   • Eye irritation can result from exposure to smoke.
   • Chronic irritation of the stomach lining may lead to ulcers.

   Synonymeshypersensitivitysensitivitytenderness

4. Physiological arousalC1formalscientific

   The activation of an organ, muscle, or nerve by an external stimulus, often measured in neural or electrical terms.

   Excitation physiologique

   • Nerve irritation can cause involuntary muscle twitching.
   • Electrical irritation of the heart muscle is used in pacemakers.
   • The doctor studied the irritation threshold of the nerve.

   Synonymesactivationexcitationstimulation

5. Mental distressB2formal

   An uncomfortable feeling of emotional pain or unease, often less intense than outright suffering.

   Détresse mentale

   • The constant criticism caused him deep irritation.
   • She felt a vague irritation in the back of her mind.
   • The unresolved conflict created a lingering irritation for both parties.

   Synonymesannoyancebotherchagrindiscomfortdispleasuredisquietexasperationperturbationuneasevexation

   Antonymescalmcomfortcontentmenteasesoothing

6. Annoying behaviorB1informal

   Unfriendly or provocative actions that deliberately cause anger or resentment in others.

   provocation

   • His constant irritation of his younger sister got him into trouble.
   • The teasing was meant as a playful irritation, but it hurt her feelings.
   • Minor irritations at work can build up over time.

   Synonymesaggravationannoyanceharassmentpesteringprovocationtauntingteasingvexation

7. Act of troubling someoneB1informal

   The deliberate action of disturbing or bothering another person, often repeatedly.

   action de contrarier quelqu'un

   • He took pleasure in the irritation of his classmates.
   • The constant phone calls were an irritation to her daily routine.
   • Stop the irritation of the dog by teasing it.

   Synonymesannoyancebotherationharassmentpesteringprovocationteasingvexation

   Antonymesassistancecomfortsoothing