exasperate

/ɪɡˈzæsp(ə)ɹeɪt/verb

To annoy someone so much that their patience wears out; to make angry.

Example sentences

“The constant delays exasperated the passengers.”
“Her brother's constant jokes during the movie began to exasperate her.”

Beyond annoyance lies exasperation: patience is finished. Often adjectival: an exasperated sigh, an exasperated parent.

Synonyms for exasperate

infuriate
irritate
annoy
frustrate

Antonyms

soothe

Often confused with exasperate

exasperate vs exacerbate: exacerbate (verb): To make a bad situation, problem, or unpleasant feeling even worse.

Find it in: Advanced English words.

Related words

exorbitantFar beyond what is reasonable or fair, especially when talking about prices.facetiousJoking about serious matters in a way that seems out of place.ennuiA heavy feeling of boredom and low spirits; weary dissatisfaction with life.enmityA deep feeling of hatred or hostility toward someone, like that between enemies.enervateTo drain someone's strength or energy; to weaken.encroachTo gradually take over land, rights, or territory that belongs to someone else.