Riles

To irritate or annoy someone, often to the point of anger or exasperation. Riling implies a repeated or persistent provocation that causes a growing sense of frustration or displeasure. This action can be intentional, as in taunting or baiting, or unintentional, stemming from a thoughtless action or insensitive comment. The degree of rile can vary, from mild annoyance to outright rage, and the object of the irritation may respond with either visible anger or a more subdued form of resentment. The intensity of this emotion can depend on the individual's temperament, sensitivity, and the nature of the triggering event.

Riles meaning with examples

• His constant interruptions and off-topic questions began to **rile** the presenter, disrupting the flow of the meeting and creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. The presenter's attempts to maintain professionalism were visibly tested as the barrage of questions increased, and the lack of consideration for others' time. It created tension and led to short and clipped responses.
• The toddler's incessant demands and tantrums would routinely **rile** her exhausted mother after a long day at work. It began with a simple request and escalated quickly into a full-blown episode and resulted in the mother needing to take a few minutes to calm down. The noise, the screaming, and the repetitive nature of the requests made even the most patient mother feel overwhelmed.
• The politician's controversial statements and inflammatory rhetoric aimed specifically to **rile** the opposing party's supporters. It worked perfectly, they were angry. His words were carefully chosen to provoke a strong reaction and polarize the audience, the carefully worded insults to spark outrage, and energize his own base by creating a sense of division.
• The dog's barking at passing cyclists would consistently **rile** the neighbors, who were trying to enjoy a peaceful afternoon in their gardens. The consistent din, even during quiet times caused issues, including verbal confrontations and threats to call animal control if the issue continued. The neighbors made attempts to speak to the owner.