Dishevelling: meaning, definitions and examples
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dishevelling
[ dɪˈʃɛv.əl ]
appearance disorder
Dishevelling refers to the act of making something untidy or disordered, especially hair or clothing. It often implies a state of disarray that results from movement or neglect. This word is commonly used to describe a disordered state that can occur after waking up, being in a hurry, or after physical activity. The term can also suggest a casual or carefree attitude toward one’s appearance.
Synonyms
disarrange, mess up, muss
Examples of usage
- After the long trip, my hair was completely dishevelled.
- The wind dishevelled her carefully styled hair.
- He looked dishevelled after running to catch the bus.
Translations
Translations of the word "dishevelling" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desalinhamento
🇮🇳 बिखेरना
🇩🇪 Verrückung
🇮🇩 kekacauan
🇺🇦 розгублення
🇵🇱 chaos
🇯🇵 乱れ
🇫🇷 désordre
🇪🇸 desorden
🇹🇷 dağınıklık
🇰🇷 어질러짐
🇸🇦 فوضى
🇨🇿 nepořádek
🇸🇰 neporiadok
🇨🇳 混乱
🇸🇮 nered
🇮🇸 óreiða
🇰🇿 бұзылу
🇬🇪 ქაოსი
🇦🇿 qarışıqlıq
🇲🇽 desorden
Etymology
The word 'dishevel' originated in the late Middle English period, around the 14th century. It comes from the Old French word 'descheveler', which means to 'uncover the hair' or 'to make dishevelled'. This derives from the Latin root 'capillus' meaning 'hair'. The term has evolved in usage over the centuries, primarily retaining its association with hair and appearance. Initially, it described the act of undoing the appearance of someone who had arranged their hair neatly, but over time it broadened to encapsulate any state of disorder. The evolution reflects a cultural understanding of tidiness and personal grooming as indicators of social standing, particularly in Western societies. As society evolved, the term began to be used in a more metaphorical sense, suggesting a lack of order or neatness in various contexts, leading to its modern usage.