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1. The psychological state of being irritated or annoyed
   - annoyance, vexation, botheration
    
2. A sudden outburst of anger
   "his irritation sparked like damp firewood"
   - pique, temper
    
3. (pathology) abnormal sensitivity to stimulation
   "any food produced irritation of the stomach"
    
4. The neural or electrical arousal of an organ or muscle or gland
   - excitation, innervation
    
5. An uncomfortable feeling of mental painfulness or distress
   - discomfort, soreness
    
6. Unfriendly behaviour that causes anger or resentment
   - aggravation, provocation
    
7. The act of troubling or annoying someone
   - annoyance, annoying, vexation

Derived forms: irritations

See also: irritate

Type of: abnormalcy [US], abnormality, aggression, annoyance, arousal, chafe, hurt, mental condition, mental state, mistreatment, psychological condition, psychological state, sensitisation [Brit], sensitization, suffering, vexation

Encyclopedia: Irritation