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Exasperate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To exasperate means to intensely irritate or frustrate someone, often by repeated actions or persistent annoyance. It implies a feeling of being pushed to the limit of patience.

exasperate

/ɪɡˈzæspəreɪt/ /ɪɡˈzɑːspəreɪt/

Definition:

To irritate or provoke someone intensely, often causing frustration or anger.

Synonyms:

annoy, irritate, infuriate, aggravate

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

please, soothe, calm

Common Collocations:

exasperated sigh, exasperated tone, exasperated look

Derivatives:

exasperation, exasperatingly

Usage Tips:

Use "exasperate" to describe actions that cause extreme irritation or frustration in others.

Common Phrases:

at one's wit's end, drive someone up the wall, rub the wrong way

Etymology:

From Latin *exasperare*, meaning "to make rough" or "irritate."

Examples:

  • 1. Her constant interruptions began to exasperate him during the meeting.
  • 2. The slow internet connection will exasperate anyone trying to work efficiently.
  • 3. His refusal to listen only served to exasperate his parents further.
  • 4. She gave an exasperated sigh when her request was ignored again.

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