bother Hear it!

bother definition

bother (bät̸h′ər)

transitive verb

  1. to worry or trouble, esp. with petty annoyances; harass, pester, etc.
  2. to bewilder or fluster
  3. to cause discomfort to her sore foot bothers her
  4. to disturb; interrupt

Etymology: earlier bodder (in Jonathan Swift); prob. Anglo-Ir for pother

intransitive verb

  1. to take the time and trouble; concern oneself don't bother to reply
  2. to make a fuss

noun

  1. a cause or condition of worry or irritation; trouble; fuss
  2. a person who gives trouble

interjection

used to express slight annoyance, worry, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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