Etymology Map
Back to all words

Vex

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to annoy or worry

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

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

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.