Dictionary entry

Annoy

Webster's Dictionary 1913

An‐noy″ (ăn‐noi″), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Annoyed (ăn‐noid″); p. pr. & vb. n.Annoying.] [OE. anoien, anuien, OF. anoier, anuier, F. ennuyer, fr. OF. anoi, anui, enui, annoyance, vexation, F. ennui. See Annoy, n.] To disturb or irritate, especially by continued or repeated acts; to tease; to ruffle in mind; to vex; as, I was annoyed by his remarks.

Say, what can more our tortured souls annoy

Than to behold, admire, and lose our joy?

Prior.

2. To molest, incommode, or harm; as, to annoy an army by impeding its march, or by a cannonade.

Syn. — To molest; vex; trouble; pester; embarrass; perplex; tease.