First Known Use: 1606
Dictionary
rankle
verb ran·kle \ˈraŋ-kəl\
: to cause (someone) to feel angry or irritated especially for a long time
ran·kledran·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
Full 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
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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
Related to RANKLE
Rhymes with RANKLE
RANKLED Defined for Kids
rankle
verb ran·kle \ˈraŋ-kəl\
ran·kledran·kling
Definition of RANKLE for Kids
: to cause anger, irritation, or bitterness
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