Rattles

To make a series of short, sharp, unconnected sounds, often due to the rapid movement or vibration of an object or objects. It can also describe something that causes agitation, alarm, or a sense of unease. This can be physical, as with a loose part in a machine, or metaphorical, as with a unsettling piece of news. The verb encompasses both the mechanical noise and the psychological effect of being disturbed or worried. The intensity can vary, from a gentle jingle to a violent shaking.

Rattles meaning with examples

• The old car rattles fiercely when starting. Its engine clanks and shakes. The loose bolts of the chassis shuddering under the load. After each mile you can hear it, but now it seems impossible to stop, although the clatter means its time for a proper service. The passengers braced themselves for the cacophony.
• A sudden clap of thunder rattles the windows, startling everyone inside. The children cry as the glasses shake, a sudden and violent shaking of glass and shelves causes a commotion in the home. The house is a old wooden structure which has seen storms before. Mother told the children it would soon stop.
• The news of the impending layoffs rattles the employees, causing widespread anxiety. Rumors spread like wildfire through the office, and they now all feel a sense of unease. Everyone's mind is full of concern, and there is little work being done. It's creating a very dark cloud over the atmosphere and no one is safe.
• She rattles off a string of complaints, her voice sharp and rapid-fire. She spoke quickly and almost aggressively, and the words were an endless flow of grievances, creating a barrage of criticism for the hapless listener. Everyone had heard it many times.
• The wind rattles the dry leaves against the fence, creating a mournful sound. Autumn winds are blowing, and as the air flows it causes the dying leaves to flutter, as they hit the wooden fence, they make an eerie noise that no one can stand. The end of the season is arriving.