bother

Definition

To annoy, to disturb, to irritate; to be troublesome to, to make trouble for.

Etymology

Borrowed from Scots bauther, bather (“to bother”). Origin unknown. Perhaps related to Scots pother (“to make a stir or commotion, bustle”), also of unknown origin. Compare English pother (“to poke, prod”), variant of potter (“to poke”). More at potter. Perhaps related to Irish bodhaire (“noise”), Irish bodhraim (“to deafen, annoy”).

Example Sentences

• "Would it bother you if I smoked?"
• "I never bother about such trivialities."
• "I wouldn't bother with an umbrella if I were you."