"Vex" is a verb that means to cause annoyance, frustration, or irritation to someone. The word can also encompass upsetting, angering, and even worrying a person. When something or someone vexes a person, you are typically causing difficulty, trouble, distress, or agitation to him, her, or them.

For instance, a difficult math problem can vex a student to the point of frustration. That means the student was having trouble solving the problem and got upset in the process.

To "vex" can also mean to puzzle or baffle.  For example, confusing instructions in a manual can vex someone, leaving them confused and unsure of what to do. When this state is prolonged, the person's feelings may evolve into impatience and eventually frustration, although that is not always the case.

Example sentences

  1. The constant noise from the construction site next door began to vex the residents of the quiet neighborhood.
  2. His inability to solve the puzzle vexed him to the point of frustration.
  3. Please don't vex your little sister; she's trying to concentrate on her homework.
  4. The unresolved issue continued to vex the team, hindering their progress on the project.
  5. The persistent rain during their outdoor picnic vexed the family's plans for a pleasant day in the park.
  6. His sarcastic remarks were intended to vex his coworkers and disrupt the office atmosphere.
  7. Technical glitches in the software can often vex users who rely on it for their work.
  8. Her refusal to provide a clear answer to the question began to vex the interviewer.
  9. The unanswered emails and phone calls from the client began to vex the customer service team.
  10. It's essential to address conflicts openly and honestly to avoid allowing them to vex the team's dynamics.

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Reference:

vex
1. to cause difficulty to someone, or to cause someone to feel angry, annoyed…
Vex Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
VEX meaning: to annoy or worry (someone)
Definition of VEX
to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to; to bring physical distress to; to irritate or annoy by petty provocations : harass… See the full definition