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Definition of exasperate

exasperate

/ɪɡˈzæs.pə.reɪt/
ex · as · per · ate
Adverb:exasperatingly
•
Adjective:exasperating
•
Past Simple:exasperated
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Past Participle:exasperated
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Present Participle:exasperating
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exasperate Lexical Profile

exasperate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To irritate, annoy, or frustrate someone intensely, especially to the point of exhausting their patience.

Example

"The constant delays in public transit began to exasperate the daily commuters."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for exasperate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for exasperate

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'exasperate' (to irritate or frustrate someone intensely) with 'exacerbate' (to make a problem, bad situation, or medical condition worse).

• Rhymes for exasperate

• Nearby Words

examiner
examiningly
example
exasperate
exasperatedly
exasperating
exasperatingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin exasperatus, the past participle of exasperare ('to roughen, irritate, or provoke'), formed from ex- ('thoroughly') and asper ('rough' or 'harsh').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Exasperate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/exasperate
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