rustle
UK: ˈrʌs(ə)l | US: ˈrʌs(ə)l
vi. to make a soft, muffled crackling sound, like leaves or paper moving lightly
vt. to steal livestock (chiefly North American informal usage)
n. a soft, crackling sound, such as that made by dry leaves or fabric
rustle = rust<noise> + le<frequentative verb suffix>
- rust (from Middle English rustlen, imitative of a soft sound)
- le (a frequentative suffix in English, indicating repeated or ongoing action, as in "sparkle" or "dazzle")
Etymology Origin:
The word rustle originates from imitative roots, mimicking the sound of dry leaves or light friction. The frequentative suffix -le transforms the base sound into a verb describing continuous or repetitive action. Over time, it gained a secondary meaning in North American slang ("to steal livestock"), likely from the sound of animals moving through brush.
The leaves rustled in the autumn breeze.
She heard a rustle in the bushes and froze.
The thief was caught rustling cattle from the ranch.
The silk dress rustled as she walked.
A faint rustle of papers betrayed his nervousness.