dishevel

[ dih-shev-uhl ]

/ dɪˈʃɛv əl /

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See synonyms for: dishevel / disheveled / dishevelled / dishevelment on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), di·shev·eled, di·shev·el·ing or (especially British) di·shev·elled, di·shev·el·ling.

to let down, as hair, or wear or let hang in loose disorder, as clothing.

to cause untidiness and disarray in: The wind disheveled the papers on the desk.

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Origin of dishevel

First recorded in 1590–1600; back formation from disheveled

OTHER WORDS FROM dishevel

di·shev·el·ment, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dishevel in a sentence

Harry has been photographed coming out of Mahiki in various stages of dishevelment over the years.
Where Will Harry Party Back in London, And Who Will He Be Kissing?|Tom Sykes|January 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Lofty houses, gay in tawdry colors and picturesque in their dishevelment, looked down on a crowd as varied as any on earth.
The Great Mogul|Louis Tracy
Her dishevelment, and the heavy brass fireplace poker on the rug beside the couch, told him the story at once.
Assignment's End|Roger Dee
Possibly its untidy dishevelment touched a fellow-feeling and appealed to her reckless mood.
The Quiver, 2/1900|Various

She half sat up, a frail, exhausted little figure, whose grace was strangely appealing through all her sandy dishevelment.
The Palace of Darkened Windows|Mary Hastings Bradley
Selwyn closed the door and seated himself, apparently not noticing Gerald's dishevelment.
The Younger Set|Robert W. Chambers

British Dictionary definitions for dishevel

dishevel

/ (dɪˈʃɛvəl) /

verb -els, -elling or -elled or US -els, -eling or -eled

to disarrange (the hair or clothes) of (someone)

Derived forms of dishevel

dishevelment, noun

Word Origin for dishevel

C15: back formation from dishevelled

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

dishevel

Origin of dishevel

OTHER WORDS FROM dishevel

Words related to dishevel

How to use dishevel in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dishevel

Derived forms of dishevel

Word Origin for dishevel