the vexed question of whether or not to kiss on a first date.
A vexed problem or question is very difficult and causes people a lot of trouble. Ministers have begun work on the vexed issue of economic union Later Mr Moi raised the vexed question of refugees. see also vex = thorny
troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances; "harassed working mothers"; "a harried expression"; "her poor pestered father had to endure her constant interruptions"; "the vexed parents of an unruly teenager"
If someone or something vexes you, they make you feel annoyed, puzzled, and frustrated. It vexed me to think of others gossiping behind my back = annoy + vexed vexed Exporters, farmers and industrialists alike are vexed and blame the government. + vexing vex·ing There remains, however, another and more vexing problem. see also vexed. to make someone feel annoyed or worried (vexer, from vexare)
cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations; "Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me"; "It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves"
[ veks ] (transitive verb.) 15th century. Middle English, from Middle French vexer, from Latin vexare to agitate, harry; probably akin to Latin vehere to convey; more at WAY.