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| Date: | 1600-1700 |
| Origin: | Perhaps from Irish Gaelic bodhar 'deaf, bothered' |
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both‧er1 S1 W3
1 to make the effort to do something
make an effort
[intransitive,transitive usually in questions and negatives]2 to make someone feel slightly worried, upset, or concerned : Being in a crowd really bothers me. It was very noisy, but that didn't bother me.
worry
[intransitive and transitive]Being in a crowd really bothers me.It was very noisy, but that didn't bother me.3 to annoy someone, especially by interrupting them when they are trying to do something : Danny, don't bother Ellen while she's reading. Would it bother you if I put on some music?
annoy
[intransitive and transitive]Danny, don't bother Ellen while she's reading.Would it bother you if I put on some music?4 used to say that you do not want to make the effort to do something, or that you are not interested in doing something : It was so hot I couldn't be bothered to cook. I should be revising, but I just can't be bothered.
somebody can't/couldn't be bothered (to do something)
especially British EnglishIt was so hot I couldn't be bothered to cook.I should be revising, but I just can't be bothered.5 if a part of your body bothers you, it is slightly painful or uncomfortable : My back's been bothering me.
cause pain
[transitive]My back's been bothering me.6 used as a very polite way of interrupting someone when you want their attention : Sorry to bother you, but Mr. Grey is on the line.
sorry to bother you
spokenSorry to bother you, but Mr. Grey is on the line.7 to upset or frighten someone by talking to them when they do not want to talk to you, trying to hurt them, touch them sexually etc : Don't worry, my dog won't bother you. If he starts bothering you, let me know.
frighten
[transitive]Don't worry, my dog won't bother you.If he starts bothering you, let me know.8 to not spend time or effort on something, either because it is not important or because it is too difficult
not bother yourself/not bother your head
not bother yourself/not bother your head with/about Cliff didn't want to bother himself with details.
Cliff didn't want to bother himself with details.9 used to express a sudden feeling of annoyance about something : Oh bother it! The thread's broken again!
bother it/them etc
British English spoken old-fashionedOh bother it! The thread's broken again!