Ennoy

/ɛˈnɔɪ/ verb

Definition

An archaic or obsolete form meaning to annoy, bother, or trouble someone.

Etymology

From Old French 'ennoier' or 'enoier', possibly from 'en-' (in, into) + 'oi' or related to 'ennui'. This is an extremely rare medieval English verb that was largely replaced by 'annoy' by the early modern period.

Kelly Says

This word is so archaic that it appears only in Middle English manuscripts—modern English replaced it with 'annoy' partly because 'en-' prefix verbs began falling out of fashion. It's like watching one word get absorbed and replaced by a simpler alternative over centuries.

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