irritates

Irritates is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb irritate. It denotes causing irritation—annoyance, discomfort, or a physiological response—to a person, animal, or thing. In everyday language, something that irritates someone frequently provokes mild frustration or anger; in medical or biological contexts, it can refer to a stimulus that provokes inflammation or other tissue reactions.

Etymology and related forms: The verb irritate comes from Latin irritare, to excite or provoke. The related noun irritant describes a substance that causes irritation, while irritation denotes the state of being irritated. The phrase 'irritates' is typically used with a singular subject: The loud clock irritates him.

Usage and nuance: Irritates is often used for persistent or noticeable annoyance, whether psychological or physical. It can describe people, animals, or processes; to irritate someone's eyes describes a physical irritation, while to irritate someone's sensibilities is psychological. Adjectival form irritant (noun irritant) and irritating (present participle) are common derivatives.

Contexts: In medicine and consumer safety, irritants are substances that cause irritation of skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Irritation is the associated symptom or condition, such as skin irritation in response to detergents. Distinguishing irritants from allergens is common in dermatology and toxicology.

In usage notes, avoid conflating irritate with synonyms like annoy, vex, or inflame; while related, each has distinct connotations. The term 'irritates' therefore signals a sense of ongoing or reproducible annoyance or discomfort.