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Rile: meaning, definitions and examples

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rile

 

[ raɪl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

emotion provoking

To rile someone means to irritate or make them angry. This term is often used to describe actions or remarks that provoke a strong emotional reaction. It implies a sense of annoyance or agitation, often in a playful or teasing manner. Riling someone can sometimes be unintentional, but it can also be a deliberate effort to provoke a response.

Synonyms

agitate, anger, annoy, irritate, provocate

Examples of usage

  • His comments were meant to rile her up.
  • She tends to rile people with her sarcastic remarks.
  • Don't rile the dog; he's already agitated.

Translations

Translations of the word "rile" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rile

🇮🇳 शोर

🇩🇪 Geräusch

🇮🇩 keributan

🇺🇦 шум

🇵🇱 hałas

🇯🇵 騒音

🇫🇷 bruit

🇪🇸 ruido

🇹🇷 gürültü

🇰🇷 소음

🇸🇦 ضجيج

🇨🇿 hluk

🇸🇰 hluk

🇨🇳 噪音

🇸🇮 hrup

🇮🇸 hávaði

🇰🇿 шу

🇬🇪 ხმა

🇦🇿 səs

🇲🇽 ruido

Word origin

The word 'rile' is thought to have originated from the late 19th century, primarily in American English. It is possibly a variant of the word 'ruel' or ‘rul’ which means to trouble or disturb. Another theory is that it stems from the dialect word 'rile' in certain areas of the UK, implying to make muddy or murky, which relates to causing a disturbance in a calm situation. Over time, its meaning has evolved to specifically denote the act of provoking frustration or annoyance in a person. Its colloquial usage has made it a common term in casual conversation.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,352 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.