roil
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /rɔɪl/
KK: /rɔɪl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To be in a state of disturbance or turmoil, often causing confusion or unrest.
Example
The waters began to roil as the storm approached.
Tense Forms
Past: roiled
Past Participle: roiled
Conversation
Have you noticed how the news seems to roil everyone these days?
Absolutely, it feels like there's always something dramatic happening.
Yeah, it really makes me anxious when the world is in such a roil.
I know what you mean; sometimes I just need to take a break from it all.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
turbulate
agitate
seethe
Antonyms
calm
settle
soothe
transitive verb
Definition
To make a liquid dirty or unclear by mixing it up, often by stirring it.
Example
The chef roiled the sauce to blend the flavors together.
Tense Forms
Past: roiled
Past Participle: roiled
Conversation
Have you ever noticed how the water can roil when it rains?
Yeah, I hate when it gets all muddy and cloudy like that.
I guess it’s nature's way of mixing things up, huh?
Root Explanation
Roil originates from the Middle English 'roilen', meaning to stir up or disturb, which is derived from the Old French 'roiller', meaning to stir or agitate. The word describes the action of making a liquid turbulent or agitated.
Memory Tip
Imagine stirring a calm surface to make it turbulent — that's what roil means, to disturb or agitate something.
Visually Confused Words
reoil
broil
roi
oil
stroil
sproil
rosily
ropily