If someone or something vexes you, they make you feel annoyed, puzzled, and frustrated. It vexed me to think of others gossiping behind my back = annoy + vexed vexed Exporters, farmers and industrialists alike are vexed and blame the government. + vexing vex·ing There remains, however, another and more vexing problem. see also vexed. to make someone feel annoyed or worried (vexer, from vexare)
subject to prolonged examination, discussion, or deliberation; "vex the subject of the death penalty"
disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress; "I cannot sleep--my daughter's health is worrying me"
To make angry or annoyed by little provocations; to irritate; to plague; to torment; to harass; to afflict; to trouble; to tease
be a mystery or bewildering to; "This beats me!"; "Got me--I don't know the answer!"; "a vexing problem"; "This question really stuck me"
cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations; "Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me"; "It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves"
troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances; "harassed working mothers"; "a harried expression"; "her poor pestered father had to endure her constant interruptions"; "the vexed parents of an unruly teenager"
A vexed problem or question is very difficult and causes people a lot of trouble. Ministers have begun work on the vexed issue of economic union Later Mr Moi raised the vexed question of refugees. see also vex = thorny
extremely annoying or displeasing; "his cavelier curtness of manner was exasperating"; "I've had an exasperating day"; "her infuriating indifference"; "the ceaseless tumult of the jukebox was maddening"
causing irritation or annoyance; "tapping an annoying rhythm on his glass with his fork"; "aircraft noise is particularly bothersome near the airport"; "found it galling to have to ask permission"; "an irritating delay"; "nettlesome paperwork"; "a pesky mosquito"; "swarms of pestering gnats"; "a plaguey newfangled safety catch"; "a teasing and persistent thought annoyed him"; "a vexatious child"; "it is vexing to have to admit you are wrong"
[ 'veks ] (transitive verb.) 15th century. From Middle English vexen from Old French vexer, from Latin vēxāre (“disturb, agitate”). Replaced native Middle English grillen "to vex, annoy" from Old English grillan.