Dishevel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dishevel

[dɪˈʃɛv(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

messy appearance

To make something untidy or disordered, especially someone's hair or clothes.

Synonyms

disarrange, rumple, tousle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dishevel	Used often to describe hair or clothing that is untidy or messy. After a long day at work, her hair was completely disheveled. He stumbled into the room looking disheveled after the long flight.
rumple	Often used to describe fabric or clothing that is creased or crumpled. He rumpled his shirt as he tried to pack it into the suitcase. Her dress was rumpled after sitting in the car for hours.
tousle	Commonly used to describe hair that is slightly messy in a casual or affectionate way. She tousled his hair playfully. Her tousled hair gave her a carefree look.
disarrange	Generally used to refer to objects that are not in their proper order or are in a state of disorder. The wind disarranged all the papers on the desk. Someone had disarranged the books on the shelf.

Examples of usage

She hurriedly disheveled her hair before leaving the house.
His disheveled appearance suggested he had a rough night.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

messy appearance

Untidy or disordered in appearance.

Synonyms

bedraggled, messy, unkempt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dishevel	Typically refers to hair or clothing that is untidy and in disarray. Often used when someone or something looks particularly unkempt due to being ruffled or disturbed. After the long flight, her hair was completely disheveled The children came back from the playdate with disheveled clothes
unkempt	Often refers to hair or physical appearance that is untidy or neglected, with a connotation of neglect or lack of personal care. He arrived at the interview looking unkempt and unprepared The garden has been left unkempt with weeds growing everywhere
messy	A more casual and broad term that can describe anything untidy or cluttered, from a room to a project. His room is always so messy with clothes and toys everywhere The kids had a lot of fun painting, but now the kitchen is a mess
bedraggled	Often used to describe someone or something that is wet, dirty, and disordered, usually due to being out in the rain or mud. The cat looked bedraggled after being caught in the storm The hikers appeared bedraggled after their trek through the muddy trails

Examples of usage

He emerged from his room looking disheveled and exhausted.
The disheveled room showed signs of a hasty departure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Imagery of disheveled appearances often appears in literature to symbolize chaos or emotional turmoil, as seen in many classic novels.
Characters described as disheveled may reflect their mental states or the havoc in their lives, enhancing readers' understanding of their situations.
The word often appears in poetry to evoke feelings of disorder or to illustrate characters in moments of vulnerability.

Pop Culture

The iconic 'bad hair day' trope in films often portrays characters who are disheveled to indicate they are experiencing chaotic or humorous situations.
In fashion trends, a 'disheveled chic' look has emerged, where intentionally messy hairstyles are considered stylish.
Disheveled characters are common in cartoons, where a wild hairstyle can be used for comedic effect.

Psychology

People may interpret disheveled attire or appearance as a sign of neglect or stress, which can affect first impressions.
Research suggests that a person's appearance, including their level of dishevelment, can influence how others perceive their competence and reliability.
Being disheveled can reflect a mindset of creativity or deep thought, where appearance is less prioritized than the ideas being explored.

Origin of 'dishevel'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French 'descheveler,' which means to undress or to make unkempt, particularly referring to hair.
The term has roots in the Latin word 'capillus,' meaning 'hair,' highlighting its connection to hair being messy.
Historically, disheveled hair or clothes indicated a state of distress or upheaval in many cultures.

The word 'dishevel' originated from the Middle French word 'deschevele', which means 'disordered'. It first appeared in English in the early 16th century. Over time, 'dishevel' has retained its meaning of untidiness or disarray, particularly in relation to appearance.