Irritation as game is cut short (5)
I believe the answer is:
pique
'irritation' is the definition.
('pique' can be a synonym of 'irritation')
'game is cut short' is the wordplay.
'game' becomes 'piquet' (piquet is a kind of game).
'is cut short' means to remove the last letter.
'piquet' with its final letter taken away is 'PIQUE'.
'as' is the link.
(Other definitions for pique that I've seen before include "A feeling of hurt pride" , "Irritation, resentment" , "Hurt feelings" , "Show of annoyance" , "Animosity" .)