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Tousle - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Tousle means to make someone’s hair messy by ruffling or disarranging it, often playfully or carelessly. It can also describe untidy or rumpled hair itself. Example: She tousled his hair affectionately.

tousle

/ˈtaʊzəl/ /ˈtaʊz(ə)l/

Definition:

To make hair untidy by ruffling or disheveling it.

Synonyms:

dishevel, ruffle, muss, rumple

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

smooth, straighten

Common Collocations:

tousled hair, tousle a child’s head, tousle the sheets

Derivatives:

tousled, tousling

Usage Tips:

Use "tousle" to describe gently messing up hair or fabric for a casual or playful effect.

Common Phrases:

tousle someone’s hair, tousle the covers, tousle a wig

Etymology:

From Middle English *touselen*, meaning to handle roughly or disarrange; related to Old English *tūslian* (to pull apart).

Examples:

  • 1. The wind began to tousle her long hair as she walked along the beach.
  • 2. He playfully reached out to tousle his little brother’s curls.
  • 3. She woke up with her hair all tousled from sleep.
  • 4. The puppy loved to jump and tousle the blanket with its paws.

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