irascible

/ɪˈræsəbəl/

/ɪˈræsɪbəl/

Other forms: irascibly

If you're irascible, you get angry easily — perhaps blowing up in rage when someone brushes into you.

Irascible comes from the Latin root ira, which means "anger" or "rage," the same root that gives us the word ire, "anger." The -sc in the middle of irascible, means "becoming," so irascible doesn't just mean you're angry — it's got action built into it. If you're looking for a fight most of the time, then you're irascible — ready for the spark that's going to set you on fire.

Definitions of irascible

1. adjective

   quickly aroused to anger
   synonyms: choleric, hot-tempered, hotheaded, quick-tempered, short-tempered

   ill-natured

   having an irritable and unpleasant disposition
2. adjective

   characterized by anger
   “an irascible response”

   synonyms: choleric

   angry

   feeling or showing anger