dishevelment
- noun
- /dɪˈʃɛvəlmənt/
- Her hair was in such a state of dishevelment that it looked like she'd just rolled out of bed after a long night.
Examples
-
She noted my scratches and dishevelment.
Fiction book (1990) -
Let her in!" Reyes winced as she passed the threshold, and not from the dishevelment of himself or his quarters.
Fiction book (1999) -
"Fantastic," was a slight exaggeration, but considering the dishevelment she'd started with, she looked better than she had any right to expect.
Fiction book (2002) -
There was a readiness about him that discouraged flight, yet she was aware of her dishevelment.
Fiction book (1991) -
I hesitate a moment, conscious of the dishevelment of locks beneath the lace scarf tied under my chin, but think better.
Blog text (22) -
She was pale and gaunt, but pretty—if you looked close enough to see past the dishevelment.
Fiction book (1999) -
Whatever he thinks about Antonia's spare, geometric grandeur or Valerie's peculiar dishevelment, it doesn't show on his face.
Fiction book (1996) -
He was sharply dressed with just the right amount of artistic dishevelment: collar loose and open with French cuffs without cuff links, black suit, and white shirt.
Blog text (34) -
After a long day at work, I came home to find my apartment in a state of dishevelment with clothes and papers scattered everywhere.
-
The child's room was filled with toys and books, creating an amusing sense of dishevelment that made it feel cozy and lived-in.
Synonyms
Things left around in an untidy way
A state when things are untidy, especially hair or clothes
A lack of order or system that makes things untidy
A situation when things are untidy and hard to find
A very messy place with many things mixed together
Mess and things not in order in a place
A messy, untidy look or way of dressing that seems careless
A place or situation that is very messy and out of order
A state when things like papers or furniture are not in their usual place
A state of being messy and untidy
A lack of order that makes places or things messy
A state of confusion where things are unclear or messy
A lack of order or plan that makes things random
Antonyms
How Messy
Surface Forms
Morphology
dishevelment = dishevel (opaque) = dis + hevel + ment
The base word 'dishevel' is not commonly known, making the derivation to 'dishevelment' non-transparent for learners.
Etymology
Dishevelment comes from an old French word made of dis- 'undo' and chevel 'hair', which once meant 'to loosen the hair'. A helpful way to remember it is to picture hair all loose and messy, and that's why dishevelment now means a state of untidiness or disorder.