## Meanings
1. To make short, sharp knocking sounds, often by shaking.
2. To make someone feel nervous or worried.
3. To talk quickly for a long time (usually with on or away).

## Examples
- The windows rattled in the strong wind.
- The tough questions clearly rattled the speaker.
- She rattled on about her holiday for an hour.

## Derived Forms
- antirattle
- berattle
- death-rattle
- rattle-free
- rattleback
- rattlebag
- rattlebox
- rattlebrain
- rattlebrained
- rattlebush
- rattlehead
- rattleheaded

## Related Forms
- clapper
- clatter
- jingle
- rumble
- ruttle

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: ratelen

## 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.

## AI Etymology
Rattle comes 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. Modern senses include to make short, sharp knocking sounds, often by shaking. and to make someone feel nervous or worried.. The wider word family includes derivatives such as antirattle, berattle, death-rattle, rattle-free, rattleback, and rattlebag and related forms such as clapper, clatter, jingle, and rumble.

## Topics
- Describing Qualities

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rattle

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