Definition

Verb: - To make something wet, dirty, and untidy, typically by dragging it through mud or water, or as a result of exposure to rain.

Usage

The verb "bedraggle" is used to describe the action of causing something, usually clothing, hair, or a person's appearance, to become soaked, soiled, and messy. It often implies a state of dishevelment caused by external, unpleasant conditions.

Examples

• The sudden downpour bedraggled her elegant dress before she could reach shelter.
• After walking through the storm, the travelers arrived, their clothes bedraggled and clinging to them.
• The puppy ran through the puddles, thoroughly bedraggling its fur.

Advanced Usage

• "bedraggled" (Adjective): The past participle is commonly used as an adjective to describe the resulting state.
  • The bedraggled flag hung limply from the pole after the night's storm.
• The word often carries a connotation of diminished dignity or a pitiable appearance due to the wet and dirty state.

Variants and Related Words

• Bedraggled (adj.): Wet, dirty, and untidy.
  • The bedraggled cat sought warmth under the porch.

Synonyms

• Drench: To wet thoroughly.
• Sodden: Heavy with water; soaked.
• Draggle: To make wet and dirty by trailing through mud.

Antonyms

• Dry: To make free from moisture.
• Clean: To free from dirt or impurity.
• Tidy: Neat and orderly in appearance.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Bedraggle" itself is not typically used in common idioms. Its adjectival form "bedraggled" is more frequently used in descriptive phrases.) - Looking bedraggled: Appearing wet, dirty, and untidy. - After the hike in the rain, the whole group was looking bedraggled.

Verb

1. make wet and dirty, as from rain