Tousle: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to describe someone’s hair being gently messed up in a playful or affectionate manner.

• She tousled his hair with a smile
• The wind tousled the child’s curls

Often refers to someone’s appearance, usually clothing or hair, being untidy and messy, especially after some physical activity or hectic situation.

• After the long journey, she arrived at the office looking disheveled
• His disheveled suit showed he had had a rough day

Typically involves causing slight disorder to something smooth or flat, commonly used with feathers, fabrics, or even someone's composure.

• The bird ruffled its feathers
• She tried not to let the criticism ruffle her

Used in both a literal and figurative sense to indicate causing something (including plans or situations) to become disordered or to fail. It can carry a negative connotation.

• She accidentally messed up the neatly stacked papers
• Missing the deadline really messed up our project's schedule

Describes the action of making hair messy or rumpled. Often implies a quick or careless movement but can also be intentional.

• He tousled his hair as he looked in the mirror, giving him a relaxed look.
• With a quick tousle, she managed to refresh her hairstyle.

Refers specifically to hair that is intentionally styled to look unkempt. Commonly used in fashion and casual settings.

• She spent hours trying to achieve the perfect messy hairstyle for the party.
• The model walked the runway with a trendy messy hairstyle.

Appropriate for describing a more generally unkempt or untidy appearance, not limited to hair. Often implies a lack of grooming but can also be used in a stylish way.

• After the long flight, she had a disheveled look about her.
• He arrived at the meeting with a disheveled look, as if he had been up all night.