Exasperate

Verb

Definition: To irritate or provoke someone to a point of annoyance or anger.

Synonyms: Irritate, Annoy, Anger, Infuriate

Antonyms: Calm, Soothe, Comfort

Examples:

His constant nagging exasperated his coworkers.
The never-ending traffic jam exasperated everyone on the highway.

Mnemonics:

Think of "exasperate" as "extra-irritate," meaning to irritate someone even more than usual.
Remember the frustration you feel when someone repeatedly does something that annoys you.

Etymology:

Origin:

"Exasperate" comes from the Latin word "exasperatus," which means "to irritate or provoke." It combines the prefix "ex-" (meaning "thoroughly" or "completely") with "asper" (meaning "rough" or "harsh").

Historical Usage:

The word "exasperate" has been in use since the 16th century, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Exasperate beyond measure"

Explanation:

This phrase emphasizes extreme exasperation, indicating that someone or something has reached a level of annoyance that is difficult to tolerate.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "exasperate" with "exasperated."

Explanation:

"Exasperate" is the verb form, meaning to cause irritation or annoyance. "Exasperated" is the adjective form, describing someone who is irritated or annoyed. Make sure to use the correct form depending on the context.