Definitions of irritate:

  • verb:   excite to some characteristic action or condition, such as motion, contraction, or nervous impulse, by the application of a stimulus
    Example: "Irritate the glands of a leaf"
  • verb:   excite to an abnormal condition, of chafe or inflame
    Example: "Aspirin irritates my stomach"
  • verb:   cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
    Example: "It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves"