porcupine
/ˈpɔːrkjəpaɪn/
noun
- A medium-sized animal with a body covered in long, sharp spines (quills) that it raises to defend itself.
- We saw a porcupine waddling across the hiking trail at dusk.
- My dog got too close to a porcupine and ended up with a nose full of quills.
- The porcupine uses its quills to protect itself from predators like foxes and coyotes.
- A person who is difficult to approach or interact with, often because they are defensive or prickly in manner.
- Our new manager is a bit of a porcupine — every suggestion is met with criticism.
- He acts like a porcupine when anyone tries to give him advice.
- After the argument, she became a porcupine, snapping at everyone who came near.