Vex

v. t. [imp. & p. p. VEXED (vĕkst); p. pr. & vb. n. VEXING.] [Fr. vexer, Pr. & Pg. vexar, Sp. vexar, vĕjār, It. vessare, Lat. vexare, originally to shake, toss, in carrying, v. intensive from vehere, vectum, to carry.]

1Sense 1. To make angry by little provocations; to irritate; to plague; to torment; to harass; to afflict; to trouble.

I will not vex your souls. Shak.

Ten thousand torments vex my heart. Prior.

2Sense 2. To disturb; to disquiet; to agitate.

White curl the waves, and the vexed ocean roars. Pope.

3Sense 3. To stretch, as by hooks. [Obs.] Dryden.

Vexed question, an inquiry carried on to a wearisome length, or with great pertinacity of discussion; a question difficult of decision, and causing much discussion.

Synonyms— To tease; irritate; provoke; trouble; disquiet; harass; afflict. See TEASE.