verb

verdrießen

vex · annoy

Jemandem Ärger oder schlechte Laune machen.

Definition & meaning

The verb verdrießen is a formal or somewhat elevated German term that means to annoy, vex, irritate, or displease someone. It describes a feeling of resentment or a negative state of mind caused by an external circumstance or action.

Meaning 1: To annoy or vex. It is often used in the context of something bothering a person's mood or peace of mind.
Meaning 2 (mostly in participle form): The adjective verdrossen (derived from the past participle) describes someone who is sulky, sullen, or discouraged, often as a result of being vexed.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: It is a strong, irregular verb (verdrießen, verdross, hat verdrossen). It is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more common in literary texts or formal writing. It is often used impersonally or in negative constructions (e.g., "Es verdrießt mich, dass...").
Word origin: It stems from Old High German far-driezzan. The prefix ver- indicates an intensification or a negative outcome, while the root is related to the older German word drießen (which meant to press or push). Effectively, it implies being "pressed" or "burdened" by a circumstance.