Scrabbled: meaning, definitions and examples

🤲
Add to dictionary

scrabbled

 

[ˈskræbld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past form

Scrabbled is the past tense of the verb 'scrabble', which means to move or scrape around quickly and clumsily, usually with the hands. It often describes a frantic or desperate search for something. It can also refer to the act of playing or creating words in a game like Scrabble. This term may convey a sense of urgency or disarray in the movement.

Synonyms

fumbled, rummaged, scratched, searched.

Examples of usage

  • She scrabbled for her keys under the couch.
  • The child scrabbled in the dirt for hidden treasures.
  • They scrabbled to find answers during the quiz.
  • He scrabbled up the hill, eager to get a better view.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Old English 'scrab' meaning to scrape or scratch.
  • It evolved through Middle English, where it described a hasty or awkward movement.
  • The usage gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in literature and speech.

Language Usage

  • In everyday conversations, 'scrabbled' can depict a chaotic or frantic search, such as scrabbling through old papers.
  • It often appears in literature to illustrate confusion or urgency in characters' actions.
  • Scrabbled can also be used metaphorically to describe efforts to gain knowledge or skills quickly.

Psychology

  • Frantic movements, like 'scrabbling', can indicate stress or anxiety, reflecting a psychological state of urgency.
  • People may resort to scrabbling when faced with overwhelming situations, showing how stress affects physical actions.
  • The act of scrabbling may serve as a coping mechanism to regain control in chaotic environments.

Pop Culture

  • The word 'scrabble' is most famously associated with the board game where players 'scrabble' together letters to form words.
  • Characters in movies might be shown scrabbling when in a hurry, often used for comedic effect.
  • In video games, 'scrabbled' actions can illustrate a player's frantic attempts to solve puzzles.

Nature

  • Animals often 'scrabble' through leaves and dirt in search of food or shelter, showcasing their survival instincts.
  • Birds 'scrabble' on the ground, using their beaks to sift through soil or debris for insects.
  • The behavior of scrabbling can be observed in various animal species as a key survival tactic.

Translations

Translations of the word "scrabbled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desordenado

🇮🇳 बेतरतीब

🇩🇪 verworfen

🇮🇩 tercampur

🇺🇦 перемішаний

🇵🇱 pomieszany

🇯🇵 混乱した

🇫🇷 débarassé

🇪🇸 revuelto

🇹🇷 karışık

🇰🇷 뒤엉킨

🇸🇦 مُشَوَّش

🇨🇿 zmatek

🇸🇰 roztrhnutý

🇨🇳 混乱的

🇸🇮 zmešan

🇮🇸 óreiða

🇰🇿 аралас

🇬🇪 ბურღვა

🇦🇿 qarışıq

🇲🇽 revuelto

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,214 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.