verb

roil

ROYL/rɔɪl/

To make unsettled or turbulent.

The muddy river roils around the stones in swirling eddies.

A turbulent river churns muddy water around stones after a storm, swirling eddies visibly disturb the surface, no people or labels.

Etymology

Roil's origin is uncertain, but its recorded meanings include making liquid muddy by stirring up sediment. That physical disturbance provides the image for upsetting someone or making a situation turbulent.

In context

The Nature of Things8:55

Bubbles rise and roil a sure sign of the invisible spirits who influence our minds.

Mesmerizing time-lapses of rotting animals, food and plants | Wrought

More examples

Strong winds roil the water near the shore.
Rumors of layoffs roiled the entire office.
Uncertainty about interest rates is roiling financial markets.

Forms

roil · roils · roiled · roiling

Similar words

agitate: Often emphasizes nervous excitement or repeated physical shaking.
unsettle: Emphasizes loss of calm or confidence rather than turbulence.
churn: Emphasizes vigorous movement, especially in liquids or the stomach.