ruffle
Translation
to annoy, to fluster, to disturb the smoothness of
Examples
The wind ruffled his hair.
The wind ruffled his hair.
Don't let his comments ruffle you.
Don't let his comments ruffle you.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to disturb the smooth surface of (sth.) The wind ruffled his hair.
((sb.)) to annoy or upset (sb.) Don't let his comments ruffle you.
Similar Words
Synonyms: disarrange, mess up, annoy, irritate
Etymology
Possibly from Low German 'ruffelen' meaning 'to wrinkle, to curl'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a bird ruffling its feathers when it's annoyed or agitated.