\Ir"ri*tate\, v. t. [See 1 st {Irritant}.]
To render null and void. [R.] --Abp. Bramhall.

\Ir"ri*tate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Irritated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Irritating}.] [L. irritatus, p. p. of irritare. Of
doubtful origin.]
1. To increase the action or violence of; to heighten
   excitement in; to intensify; to stimulate.
         Cold maketh the spirits vigorous and irritateth
         them.                                 --Bacon.
2. To excite anger or displeasure in; to provoke; to tease;
   to exasperate; to annoy; to vex; as, the insolence of a
   tyrant irritates his subjects.
         Dismiss the man, nor irritate the god: Prevent the
         rage of him who reigns above.         --Pope.
3. (Physiol.) To produce irritation in; to stimulate; to
   cause to contract. See {Irritation}, n., 2.
4. (Med.) To make morbidly excitable, or oversensitive; to
   fret; as, the skin is irritated by friction; to irritate a
   wound by a coarse bandage.
Syn: To fret; inflame; excite; provoke; tease; vex;
     exasperate; anger; incense; enrage.
Usage: To {Irritate}, {Provoke}, {Exasperate}. These words
       express different stages of excited or angry feeling.
       Irritate denotes an excitement of quick and slightly
       angry feeling which is only momentary; as, irritated
       by a hasty remark. To provoke implies the awakening of
       some open expression of decided anger; as, a provoking
       insult. Exasperate denotes a provoking of anger at
       something unendurable. Whatever comes across our
       feelings irritates; whatever excites anger provokes;
       whatever raises anger to a high point exasperates.
       ``Susceptible and nervous people are most easily
       irritated; proud people are quickly provoked; hot and
       fiery people are soonest exasperated.'' --Crabb.

\Ir"ri*tate\, a.
Excited; heightened. [Obs.]