roil

[roil]

verb (used with object)

1. to render (water, wine, etc.) turbid by stirring up sediment.

2. to disturb or disquiet; irritate; vex.

   to be roiled by a delay.

   Synonyms: rile, provoke, exasperate, ruffle, fret, annoy

verb (used without object)

1. to move or proceed turbulently.

roil

/ rɔɪl /

verb

1. (tr) to make (a liquid) cloudy or turbid by stirring up dregs or sediment

2. (intr) (esp of a liquid) to be agitated or disturbed

3. dialect,  (intr) to be noisy or boisterous

4. (tr) another word (now rare) for rile

Other Word Forms

• unroiled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of roil¹

First recorded in 1580–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of roil¹

C16: of unknown origin; compare _rile

Example Sentences

The case against Landa-Rodriguez and four other Mexican Mafia members was roiled when it emerged that Rocha had secretly recorded himself disparaging his government handlers.

From Los Angeles Times

While his suspension has sparked a roiling debate over free speech rights nationwide, in this neighborhood, the impact is more close to home.

From Los Angeles Times

A plan to debut in April was delayed after US tariff announcements roiled financial markets.

From BBC

The revelations roiled the university system, sparking internal and independent investigations into campus policy over how complaints are handled.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of the turmoil roiling the national organization is mirrored in its California advocacy arm.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• muddy 
• rile 
• stir