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bristle

/ˈbrɪsəl/
verb
  1. (of hair or fur) to stand up straight, usually because of fear, anger, or cold.
    • His hair bristled in the cold wind.
    • The cat's fur bristled when it saw the dog.
    • The porcupine bristled its quills to warn off the predator.
  2. To react with anger or irritation.
    • The teacher bristled at the student's rude remark.
    • She bristled at the unfair criticism.
    • He bristled when his boss questioned his honesty.
  3. To be full of or covered with something, often in a way that suggests threat or abundance.
    • The field bristled with wildflowers.
    • His speech bristled with confidence.
    • The fortress bristled with cannons.
Antonyms
calmrelax
noun
  1. A short, stiff hair or fiber, like those on a brush or on an animal's back.
    • She cleaned the grill with a wire bristle brush.
    • The hog's bristles were used to make paintbrushes.
    • The toothbrush had soft bristles to protect the gums.
Synonyms
spinehairquill
What does "bristle" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean