rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrileAnnoying or angering
verb

rile

RYLE/raɪl/

To agitate and disturb a settled condition.

The constant tapping of a spoon against a cup riles him.

An adult repeatedly taps a spoon against a cup while another becomes visibly annoyed and tense, irritation cause and reaction clear, no sound-effect words.
Etymology
rileEnglishstir up; disturb

Roil describes stirring sediment into liquid until it becomes muddy, and also figuratively stirring someone to anger. Rile carries that image of emotional disturbance into the sense “annoy or anger”; roil’s earlier origin is uncertain.

In context

Acorn Manhwa Recaps98:26
Julian should be careful not to rile up Lord Oronil, the margrave of the area. Oronil was very close to House Hiranth, the noble house Julian put an end to some time ago, and he'll be hostile.
He Played 20,000 HOURS of One Game, Then Woke Up Inside It as the VILLAIN! | Manhwa Recap

More examples

  • Her dismissive reply riled the normally patient customer.
  • Don't let his teasing get you riled up.
  • The oars rile the shallow water, stirring mud from the bottom.

Forms

rile · riles · riled · riling

Similar words

irritate
Emphasizes annoyance rather than stirring someone into an angry reaction.
agitate
Can describe emotional disturbance or physical shaking and stirring.
roil
More commonly describes churning liquids or broadly unsettled conditions.