PoliticsJuly 10, 2026
irritant
/ˈɪr.ɪ.tənt/
Definition
A person or thing that causes annoyance, frustration, or difficulty in a relationship or process.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'irritare,' meaning to excite, stimulate, or provoke. It entered English in the 17th century to describe something that causes physical inflammation or, figuratively, mental annoyance.
In the news
The article describes Rahm Emanuel being labeled an irritant by Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the personal friction and political discord that complicates the U.S.-Israeli relationship. This term emphasizes that Emanuel is seen as a source of troublesome pressure and opposition to Netanyahu's policies.
Rahm Emanuel’s Israel Speech Shows Where American Politics Is Headed
Read the full article ↗Politico