ruffle
UK: ˈrʌf(ə)l | US: ˈrʌf(ə)l
vt. to disturb the smoothness or arrangement of something (e.g., fabric, hair)
vt. to irritate or fluster someone
n. a strip of gathered or pleated fabric used as decoration
n. a slight disturbance or ripple
ruffle = ruff<rough> + le<frequentative verb suffix>
- ruff (from Middle English ruffen, meaning "to roughen" or "to disorder")
- le (a frequentative suffix in English, indicating repeated or ongoing action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "ruffle" traces back to the late Middle English ruffelen, derived from the Old Norse hrufla ("to scratch") or Low German ruffelen ("to wrinkle"). The core idea of roughness or disturbance is preserved in its modern meanings, whether describing physical disarray (e.g., ruffled feathers) or emotional agitation. The suffix -le reinforces the sense of repeated action, as in "to repeatedly disturb."
The wind ruffled the surface of the lake.
She ruffled her brother’s hair playfully.
His arrogant tone ruffled her composure.
The dress was adorned with lace ruffles at the sleeves.
A sudden noise ruffled the silence of the library.