Irk

To irritate, annoy, or vex someone. It signifies a persistent, often minor, annoyance that can build over time. The source of the irk can range from trivial inconveniences to behaviors that repeatedly grate on one's nerves. Irking is less severe than angering but can evolve into frustration or even anger if the offending action continues. The word suggests a persistent niggle, something that 'gets under the skin' rather than a sudden, explosive emotional response. Often, the person experiencing irk feels a sense of exasperation or mild displeasure. The impact of being irked can vary greatly, from a slight frown to a noticeable change in behavior. It speaks of small annoyances, making it a good word to convey a nuanced negative emotional state.

Irk meaning with examples

• The constant buzzing of the fluorescent lights in the office was starting to irk Sarah, making it difficult for her to concentrate on her work. She found herself increasingly distracted and short-tempered. It was a small thing, but it was becoming a major source of frustration.
• The incessant notifications on his phone began to irk Mark during his attempts to unwind after a long day. He couldn't ignore the persistent alerts, and he ended up checking the device, getting more and more frustrated instead of relaxing.
• The politician's evasive answers during the press conference served to irk the reporters, who pressed harder for the facts. Their subtle irritation grew the more the politician avoided the questions, ultimately influencing their follow-up questions.
• The way he chewed with his mouth open started to irk her; initially, she ignored it, but over time, the sound and sight of it grew more and more irritating to her, especially when dining with company.
• The small, frequent mistakes the delivery service made with her orders started to irk Mrs. Gable. The initial inconvenience started to build over time, to the point that she considered changing services.