n.
Pronunciation: ' ra-t ə l
Function: verb
Inflected Form: rat · tled ; rat · tling \ ' rat-li ŋ , ' ra-t ə l-i ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English ratelen; akin to Middle Dutch ratel rattle
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 : to make a rapid succession of short sharp noises <the windows rattled in the wind>
2 : to chatter incessantly and aimlessly
3 : to move with a clatter or rattle also : to be or move about in a place or station too large or grand < rattled around the big old house>
transitive verb
1 : to say, perform, or affect in a brisk lively fashion < rattled off four magnificent backhands ― Kim Chapin>
2 : to cause to make a rattling sound
3 : ROUSE specifically : to beat (a cover) for game
4 : to upset especially to the point of loss of poise and composure : DISTURB
synonyms see EMBARRASS