Nettle

To 'nettle' something means to irritate or annoy someone, often to a slight degree, causing a feeling of resentment or impatience. It can also refer to stinging plants known for causing skin irritation upon contact. The verb encapsulates actions that provoke frustration, challenge one's composure, or rouse someone's temper. The resulting experience is typically short-lived but can manifest in verbal barbs or defensive reactions. The degree of 'nettling' can range from mild amusement to outright aggravation, reflecting the nuance of the situation and the individual involved. Figuratively, it applies to situations, comments, or experiences that elicit such responses.

Nettle meaning with examples

• The constant construction noise outside my window really started to nettle me. It disrupted my work, and I found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on anything. I was tempted to complain to the city, but thought it wouldn't really get me anywhere, and that it would only nettle me more.
• His offhand comments about her new hairstyle were clearly meant to nettle her, and she could feel her cheeks flush with annoyance. She tried to ignore him, but his persistence ultimately drove her to snap at him, thus feeding his enjoyment of the situation.
• The harsh criticism in the newspaper review failed to nettle the director; he was used to such reactions. He was more focused on the positive feedback, and the constructive criticism which helped to improve upon his craft, and thus remained unaffected by it.
• The unfair business practices of their competitors were beginning to nettle the company, and they were considering legal action to protect their own reputation, and thus, also protect their income, making it very important that they would win.