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Definition bother in British English

bother verb

verb
/ˈbɒðə(r)/
1

if you do not bother to do something, you do not do it, either because there seems to be no good reason or because it involves too much effort

Example

It was such a stupid question, I didn't even bother to reply.

Example

Has anyone ever bothered to ask the students for their opinion?

Example

Don't bother about driving me home, I'll walk.

Example

Why bother with a car when you have such good public transport here?

Example

He won't come, so why bother inviting him?

Synonyms and related words
2

to annoy someone by interrupting them when they are busy or want to be left alone

Example

I called your office because I didn't want to bother you at home.

Example

Are the children bothering you?

Example

Doesn't the noise bother you when you're trying to sleep?

Synonyms and related words
3

to make someone feel worried or upset

Example

There was something about him that really bothered her.

Example

Does it bother you that people think you're older than him?

Synonyms and related words
3.1

to frighten someone, for example by following them around or trying to talk to them

Example

If he keeps bothering you, you should call the police.

Synonyms and related words
3.2

to cause someone physical pain

Example

I could see that his knee was bothering him.

Synonyms and related words
Definition bother in British English