rumple
UK: ˈrʌmp(ə)l | US: ˈrʌmpəl
vt. to crush or press into wrinkles or creases
vi. to become wrinkled or crumpled
n. a wrinkle or irregular fold
The word "rumple" likely originated in Middle English, possibly influenced by the Dutch word "rompelen" (to wrinkle). The morpheme "rump" may loosely relate to the idea of a disordered or uneven surface (though this connection is speculative). The suffix "-le" is a frequentative ending in English, indicating repeated action (e.g., "crumple," "dazzle"). Over time, "rumple" evolved to specifically describe the act of creating wrinkles or folds, often through careless handling.
She rumpled her dress by sitting on it carelessly.
The strong wind rumpled the pages of his notebook.
His hair was rumpled after hours of restless sleep.
Avoid rumpling the fabric while ironing.
The old letter was so rumpled it was hard to read.