bother

To annoy someone, especially by provoking, irking, and pestering them. Telemarketers are especially good at this, as are spammers, flamers, and some siblings. Bother can also be a noun, describing someone or something that is bothering you.

It's also fun to say, "Oh, bother!" when things bug you. If you say it in a high-pitched, gravelly voice like Sterling Holloway, everyone will think of Winnie the Pooh. And everyone loves Pooh! (except that psychopath Rabbit, who's plotting the little honeypot's demise)

Both"er (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bothered (); p. pr. & vb. n. Bothering.] [Cf. Ir. buaidhirt trouble, buaidhrim I vex.]

To annoy; to trouble; to worry; to perplex. See Pother.

⇒ The imperative is sometimes used as an exclamation mildly imprecatory.

 

© Webster 1913.

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Both"er, v. i.

To feel care or anxiety; to make or take trouble; to be troublesome.

Without bothering about it. H. James.

 

© Webster 1913.

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Both"er, n.

One who, or that which, bothers; state of perplexity or annoyance; embarrassment; worry; disturbance; petty trouble; as, to be in a bother.

 

© Webster 1913.