B1verbemotionshealth
US/ˈɪr.ə.teɪt/
UK/ˈɪr.ɪ.teɪt/
to make someone slightly angry or annoyed, or to make part of the body sore
In context
It really irritates me when people talk during a film.
The strong soap irritated her skin and left a red rash.
His constant questions began to irritate the teacher.
Words that go with irritate
verb + adjective
- get irritatedHe gets irritated when people interrupt him.
verb + noun
- irritate the skinSome perfumes can irritate the skin.
- irritate the eyesChlorine in the pool irritates my eyes.
- irritate your throatDry air can irritate your throat.
adverb + adjective
- easily irritatedHe gets easily irritated when he is tired.
verb + preposition
- be irritated byShe was irritated by the constant noise.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am irritating by the noise.Correct: I am irritated by the noise.