rattled

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rattle

An emotional state that's unsettling and distracting, rattled often happens when someone is nervous or upset.

Rattling is usually used to describe how people feel. Imagine being on stage and suddenly forgetting your lines - that can rattle you. You might also be rattled by a surprise visit from the police or by news of a friend getting into trouble. When we say someone's rattled, it means their nerves are shot and they're struggling to think clearly. In some cases, being rattled can even lead to shaking hands or an unsteady voice.

How common is "rattled"?

Word rattled is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To create a rattling sound by shaking or striking.
Example: Rattle the can of cat treats if you need to find Fluffy.
To scare, startle, unsettle, or unnerve.
To make a rattling noise; to make noise by or from shaking.
Example: I wish the dashboard in my car would quit rattling.
To assail, annoy, or stun with a ratting noise.
To scold; to rail at.
To drive or ride briskly, so as to make a clattering.
Example: We rattled along for a couple of miles.
To make a clatter with one's voice; to talk rapidly and idly; often with on or away.
Example: She rattled on for an hour.

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Real examples of "rattled" in context

Why roller coaster loops aren't circular

Entertainment

Passengers were completely rattled.

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rattled

How common is "rattled"?

verb

Real examples of "rattled" in context

Why roller coaster loops aren't circular

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