bother

both|er1 [ `baðər ] verb **

1. ) intransitive usually in negatives or questions 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:

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

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

bother with: Why bother with the expense of a babysitter if Carla will do it for free?

bother doing something: He won't come, so don't bother inviting him.

2. ) transitive to annoy someone by interrupting them when they are busy or want to be left alone:

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

Are the children bothering you?

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

3. ) transitive to make someone feel worried or upset:

There was something about him that bothered her.

it bothers someone that/when: Does it bother you that people think you're older than him?

a ) to frighten someone, for example by following them around or trying to talk to them: HARASS:

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

b ) to cause someone physical pain:

I could see that his knee was bothering him.

someone can't be bothered BRITISH INFORMAL

used for saying that someone will not do something because it is too much effort

don't bother SPOKEN

used for telling someone that they do not need to do something for you. You can also say this in a way that shows you think someone has not been very helpful:

I'll get you a chair. No, please don't bother.

I'm not bothered MAINLY BRITISH SPOKEN

used for saying that something is not important to you

sorry to bother you SPOKEN

used for politely asking someone to do something for you, especially someone you do not know:

Sorry to bother you, but would you mind moving your bag?

=> HOT

bother

both|er 2 [ `baðər ] noun MAINLY BRITISH

1. ) uncount trouble or difficulty caused by doing something when this is annoying but not very serious: INCONVENIENCE:

It will be an awful lot of bother going by bus.

2. ) singular something or someone that causes trouble or annoys you

it's no bother SPOKEN

used for saying that you are happy to help someone and it will not cause you any problems or difficulties:

Let me pick up the children from school, it's no bother.