1 both·er
Pronounced:
/ˈbɑ:ðɚ/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
both·ers; both·ered; both·er·ingMeaning:
1 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to feel troubled, worried, or concerned ▪ He's so easygoing. Nothing seems to bother him. ▪ It didn't bother [=trouble] her in the least that she wasn't offered the job. ▪ It bothers [=worries] them that there's no hospital nearby. ▪ Something he said at the meeting has been bothering me. ◊To not bother yourself about/with something or not bother your head about/with something is to not worry or be concerned about something. ▪ He decided he wasn't going to bother himself about the opinions of others. ▪ Don't bother your head with those questions right now.
2 [+ obj] : to annoy (someone) : to cause (someone) to feel annoyed ▪ It bothers [=irks] her when people throw trash on the ground. ▪ He's bothered [=annoyed] by drivers who don't use their turn signals. ▪ The entire car trip was filled with complaints like, “Mom, David keeps bothering me!” and “Will you tell him to quit bothering me?”
3 [no obj] a : to take the time to do something : to make an effort to do something ▪ Mother used to cook elaborate dinners, but with only herself to cook for, she doesn't bother anymore. ▪ “Should I call later?” “No, don't bother.” —often followed by to + verb or by -ing verb ▪ Nobody bothered [=took the trouble] to tell me the school would be closed today. ▪ He never bothered to explain what happened. ▪ Don't bother asking him about it. He won't tell you anything. ▪ Why bother talking if no one is listening? ◊If you can't be bothered to do something, you do not want to make an effort to do it or are not interested in doing it. ▪ The trick is somewhat dangerous, so if you can't be bothered to do it right, then don't even attempt it. ▪ I asked her to send a picture, but apparently she just couldn't be bothered (to send one). b : to be concerned with or about something ▪ I'm not going to bother with the details. ▪ We were told not to bother about the early data [=not to consider or use early data] when writing the report.
4 [+ obj] : to interrupt or talk to (someone who is working or who wants to be alone) ▪ Don't bother your mother right now. She's very tired. ▪ I hate to bother [=trouble] you, but I was wondering if you could help me with something. ▪ Sorry to bother [=inconvenience] you. I just had a quick question.
5 [+ obj] a : to make (someone) feel sick or uncomfortable ▪ He said his stomach was bothering him. ▪ Her arthritis has been bothering her. b : to cause a painful or unpleasant feeling in (part of someone's body) ▪ The camera strap bothers my shoulder. ▪ The bright light bothered her eyes.
6 chiefly Brit somewhat old-fashioned —used as an interjection to express annoyance or frustration ▪ Bother this car! It won't start! ▪ Oh, bother (it). I forgot my keys.
2 [+ obj] : to annoy (someone) : to cause (someone) to feel annoyed ▪ It bothers [=irks] her when people throw trash on the ground. ▪ He's bothered [=annoyed] by drivers who don't use their turn signals. ▪ The entire car trip was filled with complaints like, “Mom, David keeps bothering me!” and “Will you tell him to quit bothering me?”
3 [no obj] a : to take the time to do something : to make an effort to do something ▪ Mother used to cook elaborate dinners, but with only herself to cook for, she doesn't bother anymore. ▪ “Should I call later?” “No, don't bother.” —often followed by to + verb or by -ing verb ▪ Nobody bothered [=took the trouble] to tell me the school would be closed today. ▪ He never bothered to explain what happened. ▪ Don't bother asking him about it. He won't tell you anything. ▪ Why bother talking if no one is listening? ◊If you can't be bothered to do something, you do not want to make an effort to do it or are not interested in doing it. ▪ The trick is somewhat dangerous, so if you can't be bothered to do it right, then don't even attempt it. ▪ I asked her to send a picture, but apparently she just couldn't be bothered (to send one). b : to be concerned with or about something ▪ I'm not going to bother with the details. ▪ We were told not to bother about the early data [=not to consider or use early data] when writing the report.
4 [+ obj] : to interrupt or talk to (someone who is working or who wants to be alone) ▪ Don't bother your mother right now. She's very tired. ▪ I hate to bother [=trouble] you, but I was wondering if you could help me with something. ▪ Sorry to bother [=inconvenience] you. I just had a quick question.
5 [+ obj] a : to make (someone) feel sick or uncomfortable ▪ He said his stomach was bothering him. ▪ Her arthritis has been bothering her. b : to cause a painful or unpleasant feeling in (part of someone's body) ▪ The camera strap bothers my shoulder. ▪ The bright light bothered her eyes.
6 chiefly Brit somewhat old-fashioned —used as an interjection to express annoyance or frustration ▪ Bother this car! It won't start! ▪ Oh, bother (it). I forgot my keys.