Definition of 'annoy'

Word Frequency

annoy

(ənɔɪ )

Word forms: annoys, annoying, annoyed

1. transitive verb

If someone or something annoys you, it makes you fairly angry and impatient.

Try making a note of the things that annoy you.

It annoyed me that I didn't have time to do more ironing.

2. See also annoyed, annoying

Video: pronunciation of 'annoy'

Word Frequency

annoy in American

(əˈnɔɪ ; ənoiˈ)

verb transitive

to irritate, bother, or make somewhat angry, as by a repeated action, noise, etc.

to harm by repeated attacks; harry; molest

verb intransitive

to be annoying

SYNONYMY NOTE: annoy implies temporary disturbance of mind caused by something that displeases one or tries one's patience; , vex implies a more serious source of irritation and greater disturbance, often intense worry; , irk stresses a wearing down of one's patience by persistent annoyance; , bother implies minor disturbance of one's peace of mind and may suggest mild perplexity or anxiety; to , tease is to annoy by persistent, irritating actions, remarks, etc.; , plague suggests mental torment comparable to the physical suffering caused by an affliction

OPPOSITES: comfort, soothe

Derived forms

annoyer (anˈnoyer)

noun

Word origin of 'annoy'

ME anoien < OFr anoier < VL inodiare < in odio habere (or esse), to have (or be) in hate: see odium

Word Frequency

annoy in British

(əˈnɔɪ )

verb

to irritate or displease

to harass with repeated attacks

Derived forms

annoyer (anˈnoyer)

noun

Word origin of 'annoy'

C13: from Old French anoier, from Late Latin inodiāre to make hateful, from Latin in odiō (esse) (to be) hated, from odium hatred

Example sentences containing 'annoy'

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At times this annoys her. Times, Sunday Times (2016)This has really annoyed me. Times, Sunday Times (2016)I'm really annoyed by this mess. The Sun (2016)Waste no more time on being annoyed with unfair situations or disappointed by certain individuals. Times, Sunday Times (2010) Something must have annoyed him before he came here. Elizabeth Gaskell North and South (1855)Take a look at what really annoys you. Mill, Wendy Chalmers Repetitive Strain Injury (1994)Here are some of the most annoying of all time. The Sun (2010)Do you yearn for something slightly more annoying? Times, Sunday Times (2014)It must have been really annoying for the players. The Sun (2013)But at the same time it annoys us also. Times, Sunday Times (2006)But it really annoys me how few women are asked to do translations and adaptations. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Surely you can only be properly annoyed about something if you would be less annoyed about the opposite. Times, Sunday Times (2013)We can be annoying at times. Stanley Bing THROWING THE ELEPHANT (2002)If something annoys you, get out there and say so. The Sun (2015)That was really annoying as he also went up 6lb for it. The Sun (2014) Time to annoy people, especially chefs. Times, Sunday Times (2011)People think this looks funny but it's really annoying. Times, Sunday Times (2010)There are times when we annoy, upset and hurt each other. Times, Sunday Times (2016)It really annoyed me - there was no explanation for it. Times, Sunday Times (2008)It got quite annoying to hear of their perfect lives, and not one of them had a science degree. Times, Sunday Times (2016) Something annoying has just happened. Times, Sunday Times (2010)But then, something annoying happened. Times, Sunday Times (2010)It annoys me at times. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Consequently I was annoyed to hear the fanfare and surprised to see enormous flames leaping very near. Joan Rice Sand In My Shoes: Wartime Diaries of a WAAF (2006)He stormed: 'It has really annoyed me. The Sun (2011)He said: 'It is extremely annoying. The Sun (2014)There's always something to annoy Paul. The Sun (2015)He told me: 'It slightly annoys me when people say the fathers are simply handing over the licence. The Sun (2013)