bother
UK[ˈbɒðə(r)]US[ˈbɑːðər]
v
To take the trouble to do something.
v
To annoy, worry, or cause problems for someone.
n
Trouble or difficulty.
n
A person or thing that causes annoyance or trouble.
Etymology
The origin of 'bother' is somewhat obscure but is believed to have emerged in Anglo-Irish English in the early 18th century. It may be a variant of the archaic word 'pother,' meaning a commotion or fuss, which itself is of unknown origin. The semantic journey is from the concept of creating a noisy disturbance or fuss to the modern senses of causing annoyance or mild trouble. Its adoption into standard English illustrates how colloquial and dialectal terms can rise to become common vocabulary, filling a niche for expressing low-grade irritation or inconvenience.
Analysis
The word 'bother' is a simplex word of uncertain but likely Anglo-Irish origin. It does not neatly decompose into productive morphemes in modern English.
Examples
Don't bother making the bed; I'll do it later.
The loud music from next door is starting to bother me.
It's no bother at all to give you a ride to the station.