Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

irk

 - 3 dictionary results

irk

  [urk]
Use irk in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
to irritate, annoy, or exasperate: It irked him to wait in line.
Origin:
1300–50; ME irken to grow tired, tire < ON yrkja to work, c. OE wyrcan; see work

Synonyms:
chafe, fret, bother; tire.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To irk
irk   (ûrk)   
tr.v.   irked, irk·ing, irks
To be irritating, wearisome, or vexing to. See Synonyms at annoy.

[Middle English irken, to weary, possibly from Old Norse yrkja, to work, make verses, harangue; see werg- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

irk 
c.1460, irken "be weary of, be disgusted with;" earlier intrans., "to feel weary" (c.1330). Of uncertain origin, perhaps related to O.N. yrkja "work" (from PIE base *werg- "to work;" see urge (v.)), or M.H.G. erken "to disgust." Modern sense of "annoy" is from 1483. An adj., irk "weary, tired" is attested from c.1300 in northern and midlands writing. Modern adj. irksome "bothersome, burdensome" is recorded from 1513.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see irk on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way