Irk

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Grammarist

The word irk is a transitive verb, which is a verb that takes an object. We will examine the definition of the word irk, where it may have come from and some examples of its use in sentences.

Irk means to annoy someone, to irritate, exhaust or disgust someone. When someone is irked, he is impatient with having endured something irritating. Related words are irks, irked, irking. The verb irk is derived from the Middle Engish word irken, which means to become tired or to disturb or trouble someone. There are several theories as to the where the word irken came from.  It first appeared in the English language in the 1400s. One proposed origin of the word irkin is the Old Norse word yrkja, which means to work, or the Middle German word erken which means to disgust, or the Swedish word yrka, meaning to argue.

Examples

British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has revealed the secret to her youthful look, and it might surprise or irk you. (The Daily Nation)

Illegal commercial activities in Gawalmandi residential area irk the residents while the encroachers have occupied streets and roads in the area creating problems particularly for women and children. (The Pakistan Observer)

However, the hard-nosed Kangaroos, who are currently in India for the five-match ODI series and three Twenty20s, were reportedly irked over the food that was provided by the Cricket Association of Bengal ahead of the second ODI against Virat Kohli’s men in Kolkata. (The Deccan Chronicle)

A recent circular issued by some police stations in the city on the safety of children has irked school managements and parents alike. (The New Indian Express)