Vex

When told, "Maybe I will stay here just to vex you," my response was less than favorable. I know I looked as if I'd just taken a deep swig of sour pickle juice. 

 

Exploring further the definition of vex my response now would be even less favorable. 

 

Vex as in perplex is one thing, vex as to toy, irritate, torment, or worry is a whole other thing, cowboy. I would also include manipulate.

 

Overthinking? Nah. Intent is obvious without overthinking. 

 

Vexing is a complete waste of my time. 

 

Get outta here. 

 

verb (used with object)

 

     to irritate; annoy; provoke: 

     His noisy neighbors often vexed him.

 

     to torment; trouble; distress; plague; worry: 

     Lack of money vexes many.

 

     to discuss or debate (a subject, question, etc.) with vigor or at great length: 

     to vex a question endlessly without agreeing.

 

     to disturb by motion; stir up; toss about.

 

     to afflict with physical pain.

 

ORIGIN OF VEX

 

FIRST RECORDED IN 1375–1425; LATE MIDDLE ENGLISH VEXEN, FROM OLD FRENCH VEXER, FROM LATIN VEXĀRE “TO SHAKE, JOLT, HARASS, ANNOY,” FREQUENTATIVE OF VEHERE “TO CARRY, CONVEY”