Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ruffle

verb / noun
/ˈrʌfl/
Definition
To disrupt the smoothness or order of something, often causing it to become uneven or chaotic.
Examples
  • She ruffled the feathers of the bird to calm it down.
  • The sudden wind ruffled the pages of my book.
  • The news of his departure ruffled the team’s dynamics.
Meaning
Ruffle can refer to physically causing something to move in a way that disrupts its smoothness or to an emotional state where one feels disturbed or agitated.
Synonyms
  • disrupt
  • ruffle up
  • disturb
  • upset
  • disorder