rankle

/ˈræŋkəl/

Definitions

1. verb

to cause annoyance or irritation; to give offense

“Her harsh words have been rankling me for days.”

2. verb

to cause a sore or festering condition on the skin, often as a result of chafing or rubbing

“The rough fabric began to rankle on her skin.”

3. noun

a feeling of annoyance or irritation

“The rankle between them took a long time to resolve.”

Synonyms

  • annoy
  • gall
  • irksome
  • irritate

Antonyms

  • calm
  • pacify
  • soothe