Definition

To make something wet and limp, often causing it to lose its firmness or shape.

Example

The heavy rain will bedraggle the clothes left outside.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how the rain bedraggle everything outside?

Yeah, it looks so messy and wet now!

I know, I almost got bedraggled on my way here.

You should have brought an umbrella like I did!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bedraggle is formed from the prefix "be-" (meaning to make or cause to be) and the root "draggle" (from the Middle English "dragglen", meaning to drag or trail). The word describes the act of making something wet and dirty by dragging it through mud or water.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making' something ('be-') 'drag' through mud ('draggle') — that's why bedraggle means to make something wet and dirty.

Visually Confused Words