scrambled

UK: ˈskræm.bəld | US: ˈskræm.bəld

Definition
  1. adj. (of eggs) mixed and cooked by stirring

  2. adj. mixed or disordered in a confused way

  3. vt. past tense of "scramble" (to mix or move hurriedly)

Structure
scramb <to mix or move hastily>le <verb-forming suffix>d <past tense suffix>
Etymology

The word "scramble" originated in the late 16th century, likely derived from the Dutch "schrammelen" (to wrangle or struggle) or the Middle English "scramen" (to scratch or scrape). The sense of "mixing eggs while cooking" emerged in the 19th century, metaphorically extending from the idea of hurried or disordered movement. The suffix "-le" is a frequentative verb-forming element in English (e.g., "dazzle," "sparkle"), while "-d" marks the past tense.

Examples
  1. She prefers scrambled eggs with a pinch of salt.

  2. The papers were scrambled after the wind blew through the window.

  3. The hikers scrambled up the rocky hillside.

  4. His thoughts felt scrambled after the long meeting.

  5. The radio signal was scrambled for security purposes.