rumple

American  

[ruhm-puhl] / ˈrʌm pəl /

verb (used with object)

rumpled, rumpling

1. to crumple or crush into wrinkles.

   to rumple a sheet of paper.

   Synonyms:

   muss, crease, wrinkle

2. to ruffle; tousle (sometimes followed byup ).

   The wind rumpled her hair.

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verb (used without object)

rumpled, rumpling

1. to become wrinkled or crumpled.

   Tissue rumples easily.

noun

1. a wrinkle or irregular fold; crease.

rumple British  

/ ˈrʌmpəl /

verb

1. to make or become wrinkled, crumpled, ruffled, or dishevelled

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noun

1. a wrinkle, fold, or crease

Other Word Forms

• rumply adjective
• unrumpled adjective

Etymology

Origin of rumple

1595–1605; < Dutch rompelen (v.), rompel (noun)

Example Sentences

That way she couldn’t reach out and rumple his hair.

From Literature

It was a heady trophy for a 13-year-old, presented to me at graduation by a rumpled legionnaire in a garrison cap decorated with military pins.

From The Wall Street Journal

His hair was slicked back, and he was dressed like he intended to go to the show, in a vintage-cut, slightly rumpled suit, his suspenders exposed.

From Literature

“She’s always got her fur rumpled about something,” Pebble grumbles.

From Literature

A photo circulated of a humiliated Mr. Maduro in a rumpled track suit and handcuffs in U.S. custody.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• derange
• dishevel