Maddening

/ˈmædənɪŋ/ adjective

Definition

Extremely frustrating or annoying in a way that makes you feel angry or crazy.

Etymology

From the verb 'madden' (to make mad or angry) plus the suffix '-ing,' which converts it to an adjective describing something that causes the feeling of madness. The root 'mad' has Germanic origins meaning wild or furious.

Kelly Says

Psychologists study 'maddening' situations like waiting in lines or repeated small interruptions because our brains get frustrated not just from big problems, but from constant tiny annoyances that never truly resolve.

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