Irritant Meaning
/ˈɪɹɪtənt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjCausing irritation or inflammation.
adjRendering null and void; conditionally invalidating.
Sentence Examples
The pollen was a common irritant for people with allergies.
The chemical was a skin irritant and caused rashes.
The harsh chemical acts as a skin irritant.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Dust from the construction site became an ____ causing workers to cough continuously.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The chemical used in the factory proved to be a powerful skin ____ for many of the manual workers.
Word Origin & History
From French irritant, equivalent to irritate + -ant.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Lin had harassed the missionary group multiple times. However, he was the one who scheduled a meeting with the two CGM members at a laundromat. Upon meeting, before they could even exchange words, Lin launched an attack. He pulled out a bottle of irritant liquid that he had prepared beforehand and sprayed it into their eyes."
— 2026 March 11, Massimo Introvigne, “When Stigmatization Turns Violent: Two CGM Members Assaulted with a Hammer in Taiwan”, in Bitter Winter:
"The states elected Harry, Duke of Anjou, for their king, with this clause irritant; that, if he did violate any part of his oath, the people should owe him no allegiance."
— 1603, Hayward, An Answer to the first part of a certaine conference concerning succession:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Dust from the construction site became an ____ causing workers to cough continuously.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The chemical used in the factory proved to be a powerful skin ____ for many of the manual workers.