Exasperation

/ɪɡˌzæs.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/ noun

Definition

Exasperation is a feeling of intense irritation, annoyance, or frustration, especially when something keeps going wrong. It’s stronger than simple annoyance and can make you want to give up or shout.

Etymology

It comes from Latin 'exasperare', meaning 'to make rough, irritate', from 'ex-' (thoroughly) and 'asper' (rough). The sense of making something rough turned into making someone’s feelings rough and raw.

Kelly Says

Exasperation feels like your patience has been sandpapered—rubbed so often that it’s raw. That’s why people sigh, roll their eyes, or snap; their smooth calm has turned rough at the edges.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.