peeve

[ peev ]
/ piv /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR peeve ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), peeved, peev·ing.

to render peevish; annoy.

noun

a source of annoyance or irritation: Tardiness is one of my greatest peeves.
an annoyed or irritated mood: to be in a peeve.

Origin of peeve

1905–10, Americanism; back formation from peevish

Words nearby peeve

peerce, peeress, peerie, peerless, peetweet, peeve, peeved, peevers, peevish, peewee, peewit

Words related to peeve

disturb, exasperate, vex, rile, irk, irritate, gall, annoyance, bother, gripe, pest, nuisance, vexation, aggravate, miff, get, bum, roil, steam, nettle

Example sentences from the Web for peeve

  • Paste this, Fuscus, in your hat:Not a pesky thing can peeve me.

    A line-o'-verse or two |Bert Leston Taylor

  • Of course I know you don't mean it—you're simply hot and tired, and trying to work off your peeve on me.

    Main Street |Sinclair Lewis

  • Brickbats mingle with bouquetsShied at my devoted cranium.Does it peeve yours truly?

    A line-o'-verse or two |Bert Leston Taylor

British Dictionary definitions for peeve

peeve
/ (piːv) informal /

verb

(tr) to irritate; vex; annoy

noun

something that irritates; vexation it was a pet peeve of his

Derived forms of peeve

peeved, adjective

Word Origin for peeve

C20: back formation from peevish