Annoy, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Annoyed; p. pr. & vb. n. Annoying.]
Etymology: [OE. anoien, anuien, OF. anoier, anuier, F. ennuyer, fr. OF. anoi, anui, enui, annoyance, vexation, F. ennui. See Annoy, n.]
To disturb or irritate, especially by continued or repeated acts; to tease; to ruffle in mind; to vex; as, I was annoyed by his remarks. Say, what can more our tortured souls annoy Than to behold, admire, and lose our joy Prior.
2. To molest, incommode, or harm; as, to annoy an army by impeding its march, or by a cannonade.
Syn. -- To molest; vex; trouble; pester; embarrass; perplex; tease.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Annoy, n.
A feeling of discomfort or vexation caused by what one dislikes; also, whatever causes such a feeling; as, to work annoy. Worse than Tantalus' is her annoy. Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for annoy; he lists it under affront.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.