vex

Where does the word "vex" come from? It comes from Latin vexare, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

Vex’s story begins in Latin: vexare meant “to shake, agitate.” Possibly from 'vehere', to carry. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as vexer. Latin 'vexare' literally meant to shake or jolt, related to 'vehere', to carry, the root of 'vehicle'. It reached English by 1400s as vex. 'vexed question' dates from the 1700s. Today, vex means to annoy or worry.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient vexare "to shake, agitate", possibly from 'vehere', to carry.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval vexer "to torment", Latin 'vexare' literally meant to shake or jolt, related to 'vehere', to carry, the root of 'vehicle'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s vex "to harass", 'vexed question' dates from the 1700s.