1ruf·fle 
/ˈrʌfəl/ verb
ruf·fles; ruf·fled; ruf·fling /ˈrʌfəl/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to move or lift (something) so that it is no longer smooth
▪ Her hair was ruffled by the wind. ▪ The bird ruffled (up) its feathers. 2 : to make (someone) irritated, annoyed, worried, etc.
▪ He ruffled some people with his constant complaining. — usually used as (be) ruffled ▪ That boy is a lot of trouble. It's a good thing his parents aren't easily ruffled. [=don't become upset easily] ▪ The actress was obviously ruffled by the reporter's question.
▪ Her hair was ruffled by the wind. ▪ The bird ruffled (up) its feathers.
▪ He ruffled some people with his constant complaining. — usually used as (be) ruffled ▪ That boy is a lot of trouble. It's a good thing his parents aren't easily ruffled. [=don't become upset easily] ▪ The actress was obviously ruffled by the reporter's question.
ruffle feathers
informal : to upset or offend someone
▪ His critical remarks ruffled some feathers. = His critical remarks ruffled a few feathers. ▪ His critical remarks ruffled the feathers of the board members. ▪ Her research has been ruffling feathers [=upsetting people] for years. ▪ I agreed to do what they wanted because I didn't want to ruffle any feathers.
▪ His critical remarks ruffled some feathers. = His critical remarks ruffled a few feathers. ▪ His critical remarks ruffled the feathers of the board members. ▪ Her research has been ruffling feathers [=upsetting people] for years. ▪ I agreed to do what they wanted because I didn't want to ruffle any feathers.
