Rile

Verb

Definition: To make (someone) annoyed or irritated.

Synonyms: Irritate, Provoke, Anger

Antonyms: Please, Calm, Soothe

Examples:

His constant teasing would always rile her.
The loud music next door started to rile me up.

Mnemonics:

Think of "rile" rhyming with "mile" - something that can make someone annoyed or angry.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late 18th century, variant of earlier "roil" which means to make muddy or cloudy, possibly connected to Middle Low German "ruilen" meaning to mix or stir up.

Historical Usage:

"Rile" has primarily been used in the sense of irritating or provoking since its origin.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Rile up"

Explanation:

To stir up or agitate someone's emotions or feelings, often resulting in annoyance or anger.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "rile" with "roil" or "coil."

Explanation:

"Rile" specifically means to make someone annoyed or irritated, while "roil" means to make something muddy or cloudy, and "coil" refers to twisting or coiling something.