View synonyms for

nuisance

[noo-suhns, nyoo-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an obnoxious or annoying person, thing, condition, practice, etc..
a monthly meeting that was more nuisance than pleasure.
Law.��something offensive or annoying to individuals or to the community, especially in violation of their legal rights.

nuisance

/ ˈ��ː��ə�Բ� /

noun

1. a person or thing that causes annoyance or bother
2. ( as modifier )
  nuisance calls
law something unauthorized that is obnoxious or injurious to the community at large ( public nuisance ) or to an individual, esp in relation to his ownership or occupation of property ( private nuisance )
the usefulness of a person's or thing's capacity to cause difficulties or irritation

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Word History and Origins

Origin of nuisance¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English nu(i)sa(u)nce, from Anglo-French, from nuis(er) “to harm” (from Latin �Դǳ�ŧ�� “to harm, injure”) + -ance -ance

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Word History and Origins

Origin of nuisance¹

C15: via Old French from nuire to injure, from Latin �Դǳ�ŧ��

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Idioms and Phrases

see make a nuisance of oneself.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The party's Criminal Justice Bill would have allowed police to move on "nuisance" rough sleepers and fine them if they did not comply.

From

Mrs Rawling, a member of the Socialist Party, said she was not causing a nuisance or blocking the highway.

From

All four were found guilty of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance and jailed at Manchester Minshull Crown Court for between 18 and 30 months.

From

Mr Corrigan said peaceful protest is protected by law "even when it disruptive or causes a minor nuisance to people but that is not a reason to criminalise people".

From

It’s a problem that’s not going away anytime soon, which means that being vocal about the irritation it causes is perhaps the best way to alleviate the nuisance.

From

nuggety nuisance ground

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