'annoy' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'anoier,' where 'an-' meant 'to' and 'oier' meant 'to hate.'

'anoier' transformed into the Middle English word 'anoien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'annoy.'

Initially, it meant 'to cause discomfort or distress,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to irritate or bother.'