tousle

¹tou·sle

verb \ˈtau̇-zəl, -səl\

tou·sledtou·sling\ˈtau̇z-liŋ, ˈtau̇s-; ˈtau̇-zə-, -sə-\

Definition of TOUSLE

transitive verb

: dishevel, rumple <tousled hair>

Examples of TOUSLE

1. She tousled the little boy's hair.
2. <his grandfather would always tousle the boy's neatly combed hair>

Origin of TOUSLE

Middle English touselen, frequentative of -tousen

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to TOUSLE

Synonyms: confuse, derange, disarrange, disarray, discompose, dishevel, disjoint, dislocate, disorganize, disrupt, disturb, hash, jumble, mess (up), mix (up), muddle, muss, rumple, scramble, shuffle, disorder, tumble, upset

Antonyms: arrange, array, dispose, draw up, marshal (also marshall), order, organize, range, regulate, straighten (up), tidy

Related Words: embroil, entangle, snarl, tangle; agitate, perturb, stir (up), unsettle; clutter

Near Antonyms: align (also aline), line, line up, queue; classify, codify, methodize, systematize, systemize; adjust, fix; groom, make up, spruce (up); unscramble

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with TOUSLE

housel, spousal