rattle

Definitions


[ˈratl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- make or cause to make a rapid succession of short, sharp knocking sounds
(e.g: the roof rattled with little gusts of wind)

- make (someone) nervous, worried, or irritated
(e.g: she turned quickly, rattled by his presence)


Phrases:
- rattle sabres
- rattle someone's cage

Origin:
Middle English: apparently related to Dutch ratelen and Middle Low German rettelen, of imitative origin


[ˈratl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a rapid succession of short, sharp, sounds
(e.g: the rattle of teacups on the tray)

- a thing used to make a rattling sound

- a person who talks incessantly in a lively or inane way
(e.g: he is such a rattle!)


Phrases:
- rattle sabres
- rattle someone's cage

Origin:
Middle English: apparently related to Dutch ratelen and Middle Low German rettelen, of imitative origin




definition by Oxford Dictionaries