Irritative

Describes something that causes irritation, annoyance, or inflammation. It refers to a quality or substance that provokes an unpleasant physical or emotional response. This can manifest as a physical sensation like itching or burning, or as a mental state of annoyance, frustration, or anger. Often, the impact is negative, inciting discomfort and potentially causing further problems. The degree of irritation can range from mild discomfort to significant distress, dependent on the stimulus and the sensitivity of the individual or the context. Substances or actions described as irritative disrupt normalcy and provoke an aversive reaction.

Irritative meaning with examples

• The harsh chemical cleaner was highly irritative to the skin, causing redness and a burning sensation, prompting her to immediately rinse her hands.
• Constant interruptions during her work day proved irritative to the editor, making it difficult to focus on important articles and deadlines.
• The dog's excessive barking at night, considered irritative by the neighbors, resulted in multiple complaints to the homeowner.
• The strong perfume was irritative to her sensitive sinuses, triggering a sneezing fit and headache that lasted for hours.
• The salesperson's persistent and aggressive tactics were irritative and ultimately backfired, resulting in a lost sale.