verb

coiffer

do one's hair · do hair

Mettre en ordre les cheveux avec un peigne ou une brosse, ou poser quelque chose sur la tête.

Word: coiffer

Meaning:
The French verb "coiffer" primarily means "to do someone's hair" or "to style hair." It refers to the act of arranging or grooming hair, such as combing, brushing, or putting hair into a particular style.

Breakdown:

coiffer comes from the noun "coiffe," which means a head covering, bonnet, or hairstyle. Historically, "coiffe" referred to women’s headgear.
The verb is typically used in the context of hairdressing.

Usage and meanings:

To style or arrange hair:
Example: Elle va coiffer sa fille avant la fête.
(She is going to do her daughter's hair before the party.)
To cover the head with something (less common):
In older or more figurative uses, "coiffer" can also mean to put a cap or helmet on someone's head.

Synonyms:

dresser les cheveux (to do hair)
peigner (to comb)
faire la coiffure (to do the hairstyle)
arranger (to arrange)

Antonyms:

dégrader (to mess up hair)
décoiffer (to mess up or tousle hair)

Summary:
"Coiffer" is mainly about styling or arranging hair, often used in contexts related to grooming or hairdressing. It carries the idea of giving someone a neat or specific hairstyle.