Fluster
Verb
Definition: To make (someone) agitated, confused, or nervous.
Definition: To put into a state of disorder or disarray.
Synonyms: Unsettle, Disconcert, Ruffle, Agitate
Antonyms: Calm, Compose, Soothe
- The unexpected news flustered him, making him stumble over his words.
- The messy room flustered her, causing her to frantically search for her keys.
- Think of a person being flustered as their mind "fluttering" with disarray.
- Imagine a feather causing a person to become flustered as it tickles them and creates confusion.
Etymology:
Fluster originated in the mid-17th century from the dialect of northern England, derived from the word "flush" (meaning to fly up in alarm, bring to a sudden start). It is related to the Middle High German word "flustern," meaning to rustle.
Historical Usage:Fluster has been used consistently from its origin to present day, maintaining its meaning of causing nervousness or confusion.
Related Idioms:
"In a fluster"
Explanation:Being in a state of nervousness or confusion.
Misconceptions:
Using "fluster" as a noun.
Explanation:Fluster is primarily a verb and is rarely used as a noun. The correct noun form would be "flustered state" or "flustered feeling."