Jangle

/ˈdʒæŋɡəl/ verb

Definition

To make a harsh, discordant ringing sound, or to cause someone to feel nervous and irritated.

Etymology

From Middle English 'jangle,' possibly from Old French 'jangler' meaning 'to chatter.' The word originally meant 'to squabble' before developing the auditory meaning of 'to make a harsh noise.'

Kelly Says

The famous poet T.S. Eliot wrote about things that 'jangle' in his modernist poetry to create an unsettling feeling—writers use this word specifically because the sound itself feels annoying!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.