roil

verb

ˈrȯi(-ə)l 

 transitive sense 2 is also  ˈrī(-ə)l

roiled; roiling; roils

transitive verb

1

a

: to make turbid by stirring up the sediment or dregs of

b

: to stir up : disturb, disorder

2

: rile sense 1

intransitive verb

: to move turbulently : be in a state of turbulence or agitation

conflicting emotions roiling inside her

Synonyms

• boil
• churn
• moil
• seethe

Examples of roil in a Sentence

Financial markets have been roiled by the banking crisis.

the waters of the gulf tossed and roiled as the hurricane surged toward the shore

Recent Examples on the Web

The raids came as opposition lawmakers were trying to resubmit a motion to impeach Yoon, 63, as the country that has had a long history of military-authoritarian rule has been roiled Yoon’s actions. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024

Netanyahu had asked to delay his testimony——the latest of years of requests because of the conflicts roiling the Middle East——but the courts insisted upon his attendance from here onward. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Barnier and his government are the latest casualties of the political instability roiling France and the rest of Europe. —Corky Siemaszko, NBC News, 4 Dec. 2024

Its sway became evident recently when a cut in tax rebates for exporters roiled aluminum prices. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune Asia, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

roil

verb

ˈrȯi(ə)l 

 sense 2 is also  ˈrī(ə)l

1

: to make cloudy or muddy by stirring up

roil the water of a brook

2

: to rouse the anger of