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Definition of dishevel

dishevel

/dɪˈʃɛv.əl/
dis · hev · el
Adjective:disheveled
•
Past Simple:disheveled
•
Past Participle:disheveled
•
Present Participle:disheveling
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dishevel Lexical Profile

dishevel Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make a person's hair, clothing, or overall appearance untidy, rumpled, or disordered.

Example

"The fierce coastal wind began to dishevel her carefully styled hair before she even reached the pier."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dishevel
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dishevel

Word Nuance & Usage

The finite verb 'dishevel' is much less common in modern English than its participial adjective 'disheveled' (or British 'dishevelled'), which is used almost exclusively to describe untidy hair, rumpled clothing, or a person's general appearance.

• Rhymes for dishevel

• Nearby Words

disheartening
dishearteningly
disheartenment
dishevel
disheveled
dishevelment
dishful

Word Origin & Etymology

Back-formed in the 16th century from 'disheveled', which derives from Old French 'deschevelé' (bareheaded or with disordered hair), from 'des-' (apart) and 'chevel' (hair), ultimately from Latin 'capillus' (hair of the head).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dishevel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dishevel
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