tousle

or tou·zle

[ tou-zuhl ]

verb (used with object)

, tou·sled, tou·sling.

1. to disorder or dishevel:

   The wind tousled our hair.

2. to handle roughly.

noun

1. a disheveled or rumpled mass, especially of hair.
2. a disordered, disheveled, or tangled condition.

tousle

/ ˈtaʊzəl /

verb

1. to tangle, ruffle, or disarrange
2. to treat roughly

noun

1. a disorderly, tangled, or rumpled state
2. a dishevelled or disordered mass, esp of hair

Word History and Origins

Origin of tousle¹

1400–50; late Middle English touselen (v.); cognate with Low German tūseln. See touse, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of tousle¹

C15: from Low German tūsen to shake; related to Old High German zirzūsōn to tear to pieces

Example Sentences

"You tousle its mane and pull its ears, but all the time you’re thinking, those claws, those claws, those claws."

From BBC

She pulled off a beanie to reveal a tousle of brown hair.

From New York Times

Now that he finds himself just another member of the second-tier pack, does he still try to remain above the fray, or does he tousle with Haley and Scott, his rivals for would-be donor cash?

From Slate

Then I reached over to tousle his hair and found it was completely wet.

From Los Angeles Times

“Young man, when I first had the honor of making your acquaintance you hit me in the face. Now I demand the satisfaction of a gentleman,” and with that the tall uncle proceeded to toss and tousle the small nephew in a way that damaged his philosophical dignity as much as it delighted his boyish soul.

From Literature