'irritate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'irritare,' where 'ir-' meant 'in' and 'ritare' meant 'to excite or provoke.'

'irritare' transformed into the Old French word 'irriter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'irritate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to provoke or excite,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to annoy or cause discomfort.'