rankle

verb

UK/ˈræŋ.kᵊl/
US/ˈræŋ.kᵊl/

Definitions of rankle verb

  1. Intransitive

    To cause persistent annoyance or resentment.

    • The unfair way he was dismissed from his job has rankled with him for years.

    • The fact that she knew she was wrong and didn't apologize rankled me.

    • The missed opportunity for promotion continued to rankle him.