rankle

ran·kle

verb \ˈraŋ-kəl\

ran·kledran·kling\-k(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of RANKLE

intransitive verb

1

: to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness

2

: to feel anger and irritation

transitive verb

: to cause irritation or bitterness in

Examples of RANKLE

1. The joke about her family rankled her.
2. <that kind of rude treatment from a young person makes me rankle>

Origin of RANKLE

Middle English ranclen to fester, from Anglo-French rancler, from Old French draoncler, raoncler, from draoncle, raoncle festering sore, from Medieval Latin dracunculus, from Latin, diminutive of draco serpent — more at dragon

First Known Use: 1606

Related to RANKLE

Synonyms: burn, foam, fume, rage, boil, seethe, sizzle, steam, storm

Antonyms: delight, gratify, please

Related Words: fulminate, rant, rave; smolder (or smoulder); bristle, flare (up), inflame (also enflame); chafe, fret, stew; agitate, convulse, roil, shake

Near Antonyms: allay, assuage, relieve; comfort, console, soothe; appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, placate; calm, lull, quiet, settle; beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, disarm, enchant

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with RANKLE

ankle