What does “vex” mean?
- 1
verbto annoy or worry someone
The constant noise vexed the neighbors.
Vex at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb
- CEFR level
- C2 (proficient)
- Pronunciation
- /vɛks/ · VEKS
How to use “vex” correctly
Old-fashioned as a verb, but “a vexed question/issue” (a hard, much-debated issue) is common in formal writing.
Common phrases with “vex”
- a vexed question
- a vexing problem
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- irritate
- annoy
- trouble
Word family
- vexed
- vexing
- vexation
“vex” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- appease verbC2to calm someone by giving them what they want
- beguile verbC2to charm or attract someone, sometimes in a way that deceives them
- cower verbC2to bend down or move back because you are afraid
- deprave verbC2to make someone morally bad or evil
- disconcert verbC2to make someone feel uneasy, confused or embarrassed
- kindle verbC2to start a fire burning
- mortify verbC2to make someone feel extremely embarrassed or ashamed
- venerate verbC2to respect and admire someone or something very deeply