vex
vex Lexical Profile
vex Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To make someone feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial or persistent matters.
"The complicated set of instructions continued to vex the new employees."
To cause distress, physical suffering, or trouble to.
"An old knee injury began to vex him again as the cold winter weather set in."
To discuss or debate a subject extensively or with great vigor.
"Scholars have long vexed the question of the ancient manuscript's true authorship."
Word Nuance & Usage
While synonymous with 'annoy' or 'bother', 'vex' often carries a more formal or literary tone and implies a deeper sense of frustration or ongoing worry.
• Rhymes for vex
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Late Middle English: from Old French vexer, from Latin vexare 'to shake, disturb, or harass', from the verb vehere 'to convey or carry'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.