VEXED

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does vexed mean? 

• VEXED (adjective)
  The adjective VEXED has 2 senses:

1. troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances

2. causing difficulty in finding an answer or solution; much disputed

  Familiarity information: VEXED used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• VEXED (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances

Synonyms:

annoyed; harassed; harried; pestered; vexed

Context example:

the vexed parents of an unruly teenager

Similar:

troubled (characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Causing difficulty in finding an answer or solution; much disputed

Context example:

we live in vexed and troubled times

Similar:

difficult; hard (not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure)

 Context examples 

When he was very near I heard him crying, in vexed fashion, “Why in hell don’t you sing out?”

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

She was vexed beyond what could have been expressed—almost beyond what she could conceal.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

"But, Captain Wentworth," cried Louisa, "how vexed you must have been when you came to the Asp, to see what an old thing they had given you."

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

"Want any more?" asked the old gentleman, looking grim and vexed, but trying not to show it.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Mr. Darcy's behaviour astonished and vexed her.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

At this the son was vexed; and forgetting his word, turned his ring, and wished for his queen and son.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

You see how it is; and could tell me, perhaps better than I could tell you, how and why I am vexed.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

You do not know how vexed I am; I shall have no pleasure at Clifton, nor in anything else.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

But even that is not all, said I. During the last fortnight, some new trouble has vexed her; and she has been in and out of London every day.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

With him, she loved him—in truth, at times a vexed and worried love; but love it was, a love that was stronger than she.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)