rile

[ rahyl ]

verb (used with object)

, Chiefly Northern and North Midland U.S.

, riled, ril·ing.

1. to irritate or vex.

   Synonyms: nettle, chafe, provoke, annoy, irk

2. to roil (water or the like).

rile

/ raɪl /

verb

1. to annoy or anger; irritate
2. to stir up or agitate (water, etc); roil or make turbid

Word History and Origins

Origin of rile¹

First recorded in 1815–25; variant of roil

Word History and Origins

Origin of rile¹

C19: variant of roil

Example Sentences

The goal here seems to be finding people who are uniquely unfit for these jobs, both to rile up liberals and to flush out any Republicans with remaining loyalties to the concept of responsible governance.

From Salon

“It is the kind of thing that riles people up, and that makes our situation in Arizona and other states more dangerous,” he said.

From Salon

He explained that Trump said a lot of things “just be for publicity…just riling up the news.”

From Salon

After riling up one side of the arena, Rodrigo attempts to run to the other side of the stage — but instead drops straight down through the stage.

From Los Angeles Times

Conservatives either get riled by Martin or pay her no mind.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoy
• bother
• disturb
• exasperate
• gall
• inflame
• irk
• irritate
• peeve
• provoke
• roil
• vex