When something "rankles," what does it do?

When something "rankles," it refers to causing irritation or annoyance. The term is often used to describe situations where a comment, action, or event continues to bother someone emotionally, leading to feelings of resentment or agitation. For example, if someone feels slighted by a remark, that feeling can rankle them, meaning it lingers and produces discomfort. The other options do not align with the meaning of "rankles"; rather, they suggest positive emotions or feelings that do not connect with the irritation implied by the correct answer.