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Roil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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roil

[rษ”ษชl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

liquid movement

To roil means to make a liquid turbulent or muddy, often by stirring it up. This action can create a state of agitation or disarray. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe stirring up emotions or unrest in a situation.

Synonyms

agitate, disturb, stir, turbid, upset.

Examples of usage

  • The boat roiled the calm waters as it sped past.
  • The storm began to roil the sea, making it dangerous to sail.
  • Her comments roiled the atmosphere of the meeting.
Context #2 | Verb

emotional disturbance

To roil can also refer to causing someone to feel angry, upset, or disturbed. In this sense, it conveys the idea of creating a sense of turmoil within a person or group. This emotional roiling can lead to heightened tensions and conflicts.

Synonyms

agitate, disturb, trouble, upset.

Examples of usage

  • The news of the event roiled the community.
  • She felt roiled by the unexpected announcement.
  • The ongoing controversy roiled public opinion.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In poetry, the term often symbolizes turmoil and chaos, representing inner emotional struggles.
  • Famous works, like Shakespeareโ€™s plays, use it to evoke powerful imagery of conflict and unrest.
  • The term appears frequently in modern literature to describe tumultuous relationships or moral dilemmas.

Science

  • In fluid dynamics, 'roiling' can describe how currents form whirlpools or disturbances in a body of water.
  • The roiling effect is crucial in understanding weather patterns, as turbulent air can lead to storms.
  • Marine scientists study roiling waters to predict the movement of nutrients and marine life in oceans.

Psychology

  • The word is often used metaphorically to describe a mind that is agitated or filled with strong emotions.
  • Therapy may help individuals to calm their roiling feelings, leading to clearer thought processes.
  • Anxiety and stress can cause mental states to roil, similar to how water becomes agitated.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, roiling waters are a common dramatic element, often indicating danger or chaos.
  • Songs or lyrics often use the concept of roiling emotions to express love, heartbreak, or turmoil.
  • Famous disaster films depict roiling waters to heighten tension, symbolizing nature's uncontrollable force.

Origin of 'roil'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'roilen', meaning 'to stir up or trouble'.
  • It is believed to have roots in the Old French word 'ruiller', which relates to rolling or stirring.
  • Its usage is closely associated with water, emphasizing the action of creating waves or disturbance.

The word 'roil' originates from the Middle English term 'roilen' or 'reulen', which means to stir up or to mix. This is derived from the Old French 'reuil', meaning to disturb or agitate, which is related to the Latin word 'rugire', meaning to roar. Initially, the term was primarily associated with the physical action of making water muddy or turbulent, particularly in the context of rivers and streams. Over time, the usage of 'roil' expanded to encompass emotional states and situations, reflecting agitation and upheaval. It captures both the physical and metaphorical sense of stirring things up, making it a versatile term in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,495, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.