irritate
verb
ir·ri·tate
ˈir-ə-ˌtāt 
irritated; irritating
: to cause or induce displeasure or irritation
Examples of irritate in a Sentence
It's his arrogance that really irritates me.
The other passengers were irritated by the child's rudeness.
Harsh soaps can irritate the skin.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ammonia is a common industrial chemical that can irritate the eyes and respiratory system when present in elevated concentrations.
—
Sydney Barragan, Daily News, 19 June 2026
Plus, the topper has hidden seams and soft edges that won’t poke through sheets or irritate sensitive skin.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
Wildfire smoke can irritate eyes, noses, throats and lungs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Don Sweeney, Idaho Statesman, 15 June 2026
If someone is in your life long enough, they’re bound to do something that irritates you—and you’re bound to do something that irritates them.
—Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritate
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Sydney Barragan, Daily News, 19 June 2026
Plus, the topper has hidden seams and soft edges that won’t poke through sheets or irritate sensitive skin.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
Wildfire smoke can irritate eyes, noses, throats and lungs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Don Sweeney, Idaho Statesman, 15 June 2026
If someone is in your life long enough, they’re bound to do something that irritates you—and you’re bound to do something that irritates them.
—Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritate
Cite this Entry
“Irritate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritate. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
irritate
verb
ir·ri·tate
ˈir-ə-ˌtāt
irritated; irritating
1
: to cause impatience, anger, or displeasure in : annoy
were irritated by the child's rudeness
2
: to make sore or inflamed
harsh soaps can irritate the skin
Medical Definition
irritate
verb
ir·ri·tate
ˈir-ə-ˌtāt
irritated; irritating
1
: to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in
2
: to cause (an organ or tissue) to be irritable : produce irritation in
harsh soaps may irritate the skin
3
: to produce excitation in (as a nerve) : cause (as a muscle) to contract
: to induce irritation
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