what is a rankle

A rankle means to cause persistent irritation, resentment, or annoyance. When something rankles, it continues to bother or upset someone over time. For example, if a criticism or insult rankles you, it means it sticks with you and makes you feel upset long after it was said. The word comes from Middle English and originally meant to fester or cause a wound to become inflamed, which metaphorically extended to emotional irritation.