irritant
Thorn in side
An irritant is something that causes annoyance or discomfort.
The word applies equally to physical and emotional provocations: a chemical irritant inflames skin or airways, while a social irritant grates on the nerves.
The new policy was a constant irritant to staff.
As an adjective, irritant describes things that cause irritation: irritant substances, irritant effects.
Persistent unwanted attention
- vexingCausing mild torment
- bothersomeCausing mild annoyance
- aggravatingCausing irritation or worsening
- exasperatingIntensely irritating
irksome · galling · maddening · grating · nagging · nuisance · pest · bother
Heedless or skin irritation
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- itchingIrritating skin sensation
- hivesRaised itchy skin reaction
- dermatitisInflammation of the skin
eczema · chafing · inflammation · blistering · burning · stinging · contact · sensitivity
Chemically burning; bitterly mocking
- corrosiveDestroys by chemical action
- toxicCapable of causing harm
- benzeneAromatic hydrocarbon solvent
- chlorineHalogen disinfectant element
ammonia · formaldehyde · bleach · solvent · acid · fumes · vapor · exposure
Floral reproductive grains
- dustFine settled particles
- moldForm-giving container
- pet danderShed skin from animals
- mitesMinuscule parasitic arachnids
shellfish · peanuts · latex · histamine · anaphylaxis · allergic · trigger · sensitivity
Abrasive-coated finishing material
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- pumiceLightweight volcanic abrasive
- emeryGranular polishing mineral
- coarseRough in texture
rough · friction · chafe · scrape · exfoliate · scouring · grating · scratching
Forceful air expulsion reflex
- wheezingHarsh, whistling respiration
- bronchitisInflamed airway disease
- asthmaChronic lung inflammation
- inhalerPortable respiratory medication device
lung · airway · smoke · particulate · smog · mucus · sputum · bronchospasm
pestering
Persistent unwanted attention
- vexingCausing mild torment
- bothersomeCausing mild annoyance
- aggravatingCausing irritation or worsening
exasperating · irksome · galling · maddening · grating · nagging · nuisance · pest · bother · thorn
rash
Heedless or skin irritation
dermatitis · eczema · chafing · inflammation · blistering · burning · stinging · contact · sensitivity · reaction
caustic
Chemically burning; bitterly mocking
chlorine · ammonia · formaldehyde · bleach · solvent · acid · fumes · vapor · exposure · hazardous
pollen
Floral reproductive grains
- dustFine settled particles
- moldForm-giving container
- pet danderShed skin from animals
mites · shellfish · peanuts · latex · histamine · anaphylaxis · allergic · trigger · sensitivity · reaction
sandpaper
Abrasive-coated finishing material
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- pumiceLightweight volcanic abrasive
- emeryGranular polishing mineral
coarse · rough · friction · chafe · scrape · exfoliate · scouring · grating · scratching · rasp
coughing
Forceful air expulsion reflex
- wheezingHarsh, whistling respiration
- bronchitisInflamed airway disease
- asthmaChronic lung inflammation
inhaler · lung · airway · smoke · particulate · smog · mucus · sputum · bronchospasm · breathing
taunt
Insulting provocation
- goadIncite to action
- provokeIncite a response
- antagonizeIncite hostility in
agitate · incite · needle · bait · rile · inflame · enrage · infuriate · aggravate · stir up
- animal defensespoison, venom, toxin, toxins, horns
- annoyancesannoyance, annoyances, nuisance, nuisances, pest
- annoying peoplepest, hecklers, nuisance, meddlers, bore
- hazardsfire hazard, fire hazards, toxin, contamination, tripping hazard
- safety signswarning sign, warning signs, danger sign, caution sign, warning labels
- hazmathazmat suit, hazmat, hazardous materials, biohazard, dangerous goods
irritantpeacemaker
Conflict resolution agent
harmonizer · soother · mediator · diplomat · pacifier
- skin irritationInflamed epidermal condition
- eye irritationDiscomfort in the organ of sight
- throat irritationDiscomfort in the gullet
- irritable bowel syndromeFunctional gastrointestinal disorder
- irritable bowelTemperamental intestinal condition
- skin irritantsAgents provoking dermal reactions
irritate, irritable, irritation, irritating, irritated, irritability, irritates, irritably, irritations