Rattle

To make a rapid succession of short, sharp knocking sounds; to cause something to make such sounds by shaking or striking it. Metaphorically, it can mean to unsettle, agitate, or disturb someone emotionally, or to cause someone to become nervous or apprehensive. Furthermore, to speak rapidly, especially in a confused or meaningless way, or to express something in a hurried or thoughtless manner. The word can also describe a toy or a part of a device that produces a rattling sound.

Rattle meaning with examples

• The old window frame began to rattle incessantly in the wind, keeping everyone awake throughout the night. The sound was a constant, unwelcome presence. A persistent and irritating metallic clatter. The wind's fury made the glass tremble and the rattle grew more intense by the hour. Nobody got enough sleep because of the rattle.
• The detective hoped to rattle the suspect during questioning, and force him into making a mistake. A technique to shake them up. Her pointed inquiries and rapid fire approach helped her to rattle his composure. The aim was to rattle them, and expose any inconsistencies. The detective observed the suspect carefully to rattle him.
• The nervous speaker began to rattle off a list of names without pausing, her voice trembling with anxiety. Her speech was rapid, almost incomprehensible. She started to rattle through all the information needed. All this did cause the rattle effect. As she tried to rattle the audience, the crowd could see her insecurity.
• The baby giggled with delight as she shook her toy rattle, enjoying the playful sound it produced. This type of toy is meant to produce that rattle sound. The colourful plastic rattle kept the infant entertained. It was meant to soothe the infant. Her parents loved the happy rattle.