In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one word substitute of the given phrase: "To disorder or disarrange someones hair, typically by running ones hands through it."

Introduction / Context:
This is a one word substitution question based on a very specific physical action. The phrase describes disarranging or disturbing a persons hair, often by running hands through it so that it looks messy or slightly out of place. You must select the verb that is most commonly used in English for this action.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase is "to disorder or disarrange someones hair, typically by running ones hands through it".
• Option A: to tangle.
• Option B: to crumple.
• Option C: to ruffle.
• Option D: to crease.
• We assume normal conversational and descriptive English usage, not highly technical language.

Concept / Approach:
The verb "ruffle" is widely used to describe lightly disturbing hair or feathers. For example, you can ruffle a childs hair as a friendly gesture, or a breeze can ruffle someones hair. "Tangle" means to twist into knots, "crumple" is usually used for paper or cloth, and "crease" refers to making a line or fold in fabric or paper. Therefore, "to ruffle" is the exact match for the given phrase.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key object in the phrase: the hair. The action is about gently or playfully disturbing hair, not about destroying it.Step 2: Examine "to ruffle". It is often used for hair and feathers, and we frequently read phrases like "He ruffled her hair" or "The wind ruffled his hair". This fits the description exactly.Step 3: Check "to tangle". While hair can be tangled, the word suggests severe knots or snarls, usually from neglect, not a simple gesture of running a hand through hair.Step 4: Check "to crumple". This is used for paper, cloth or sometimes facial expressions, as in "his face crumpled". It is not the standard verb for hair.Step 5: Check "to crease". This again relates mainly to fabric or paper, as in "to crease a shirt". It does not naturally describe what you do to hair.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider natural sentences. "She lovingly ruffled the childs hair" sounds normal and matches the dictionary meaning of "ruffle". In contrast, "She crumpled the childs hair" or "She creased the childs hair" are unidiomatic. "She tangled the childs hair" suggests a more severe and probably unintentional mess. Only "ruffle" captures both the sense and the gentle manner described in the phrase.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"To tangle" implies knots and difficulty in combing, which is stronger than a simple disarrangement. "To crumple" and "to crease" both focus on folds in objects like clothes or paper, and they do not collocate naturally with hair. Choosing any of these would not reflect standard English usage and would misrepresent the intention of the phrase.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may quickly guess "tangle" because hair is often described as tangled. However, the question specifically mentions running hands through hair, which is typically associated with a temporary, light disturbance. This is why building a mental link between "ruffle" and "hair" or "feathers" is helpful for one word substitution tasks.

Final Answer:
The best one word substitute for the phrase is to ruffle, so option C is correct.