English vocabulary · C1
Exasperate
/ɪɡˈzæspəreɪt/ · v.
Exasperate means to make someone very annoyed because a problem happens again and again. The person becomes less calm each time.
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Example sentences
- The constant delays began to exasperate the passengers.
- His repeated questions exasperate the teacher.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- ex — out (from Latin)
- asper — rough (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- IRRITATE — cause mild annoyance (Make Slightly Annoyed)
- FRUSTRATE — make progress feel difficult (Block And Upset)
- INFURIATE — cause intense anger (Make Extremely Angry)
Related words
- asperity — harshness in manner or conditions
Lesson notes
Exasperate means to make someone very annoyed because a problem happens again and again. The person becomes less calm each time.
Related: irritate, frustrate, infuriate. Use exasperate when repeated problems make someone extremely annoyed and nearly out of patience.
The constant delays began to exasperate the passengers. His repeated questions exasperate the teacher.
From Latin. Ex means out. Asper means rough. Latin exasperare became exasperate in English. Today, it means to make someone extremely annoyed.