rattle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)

   the death rattle

2. 2
   verb

   To create a rattling sound by shaking or striking.

   to rattle a chain

3. 3
   verb

   To scare, startle, unsettle, or unnerve.

   “Tut!” said old Bittlesham. “Tut is right”, I agreed. Then the rumminess of the thing struck me. “But if you haven’t dropped a parcel over the race,” I said, “why are you looking so rattled?”

4. 4
   verb

   To make a rattling noise; to make noise by or from shaking.

   I wish the dashboard in my car would quit rattling.

5. 5
   verb

   To assail, annoy, or stun with a rattling noise.

   Sound but another [drum], and another shall / As loud as thine rattle the welkin’s ear.

6. 6
   verb

   To scold; to rail at.

   This came to the Bishop's Ear, who presently sent for the Curate, Rattled him to some Tune, with Menaces to the Highest Degree

7. 7
   verb

   To drive or ride briskly, so as to make a clattering.

   We rattled along for a couple of miles.

8. 8
   verb

   To make a clatter with one's voice; to talk rapidly and idly; often with on or away.

   She rattled on for an hour.

Etymology

From Middle English ratelen, of uncertain origin; perhaps borrowed from Middle Dutch ratelen or of native origin related to Old English hratele, hrætele (“a plant known for its rustling or rattling sound”), ultimately imitative. The noun (c. 1500) is from the verb.