roil
UK: rɔɪl | US: rɔɪl
vt. 1. To make (a liquid) turbid or muddy by stirring up sediment.
vt. 2. To annoy or agitate (someone).
vi. 3. (Of a liquid) To move in a turbulent or agitated manner.
The word "roil" likely derives from the Old French ruiler or roiler, meaning "to roll or stir up," which itself may trace back to the Latin rotulare (to roll). Over time, its meaning expanded from physical agitation (e.g., muddying water) to metaphorical disturbance (e.g., irritating someone). The compact spelling and monosyllabic structure suggest it entered English as a unified verb without separable morphemes.
The storm began to roil the ocean, churning the waves violently.
His rude comments roiled her, leaving her visibly upset.
Avoid stirring the pond—you’ll roil the water and scare the fish.
The politician’s speech roiled the crowd, sparking heated debates.
Sediment roiled up as the truck drove through the shallow river.