- irk
- mid-15c., irken "be weary of, be disgusted with;" earlier intrans., "to feel weary" (early 14c.). Of uncertain origin, perhaps related to O.N. yrkja "work" (from PIE base *werg- "to work;" see urge (v.)), or M.H.G. erken "to disgust." Modern sense of "annoy" is from late 15c. An adjective, irk "weary, tired" is attested from c.1300 in northern and midlands writing. Modern adjective irksome "bothersome, burdensome" is recorded from 1510s.