Rankle

/ˈræŋ.kəl/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to cause annoyance, irritation, or resentment that persists.

Her comments about my work continue to rankle me.

to have a lasting painful or irritating effect.

The unfair decision ranks up and lingers in his mind.

to cause someone to feel angry or bitter.

It rankled him to see her succeed after all the hard work he had put in.

to feel or cause to feel resentment or annoyance.

The way he was treated at the meeting continued to rankle her.

Middle English 'ranclen', possibly of Latin origin from 'dranculus', meaning 'to fester'.

rankle with someone

To irritate or annoy someone.

rankle in memory

To remain in memory as a source of irritation or resentment.

irritate

To cause displeasure or annoyance.

resent

To feel bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.

vex

To bring trouble, distress, or agitation.

To get on someone's nerves.

That constant noise will really rankle me.

To stew over something.

She was rankling over that comment for a week.