nettle
Translation
to irritate, to annoy, to sting
Examples
His constant interruptions nettled her.
His constant interruptions nettled her.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to annoy or irritate (sb.) His constant interruptions nettled her.
Similar Words
Synonyms: irritate, annoy, vex, provoke
Etymology
From the Old English 'netele', the name of the stinging plant. The verb's meaning comes from the irritating sensation of being stung by one.
Memory Tips
Imagine being stung by a nettle plant – it's irritating. To 'nettle' someone is to cause that same feeling of annoyance.