Bristle (Verb)

Meaning ¹

React in an offended or angry manner; "He bristled at her suggestion that he should teach her how to use the program".

Classification

Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.

Examples

• The manager bristled at the criticism from his subordinate during the meeting.
• She bristled when her colleague criticized her work in front of their boss.
• He bristled at the implication that he was not capable of doing the task.
• The team leader bristled when her authority was questioned by a junior member.
• The executive bristled when a shareholder asked about his latest spending decisions.

Hypernyms

• Respond

Meaning ²

Rise up as in fear; "The dog's fur bristled"; "It was a sight to make one's hair uprise!".

Classification

Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.

Examples

• The old cat's back bristled at the sight of the stray dog in its yard.
• Her hair seemed to bristle as she walked into the abandoned house.
• The dog's ears bristled, alert to the slightest sound of the squirrel outside.
• His eyes bristled with anger as he listened to the condescending words.
• The porcupine's quills bristled, warning potential predators to keep their distance.

Synonyms

• Stand Up
• Uprise

Related Words

• Bristle (noun)

Meaning ³

Be in a state of movement or action; "The room abounded with screaming children"; "The garden bristled with toddlers".

Classification

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.

Examples

• The city bristled with life and energy after sundown.
• The stadium bristled with excitement as the home team took the field.
• The festival grounds bristled with music and laughter.
• The riverbank bristled with fishermen hoping to catch the day's big haul.
• The conference room bristled with activity as the meeting attendees networked.

Synonyms

• Abound
• Burst

Hypernyms

• Feature
• Have

Meaning ⁴

Have or be thickly covered with or as if with bristles; "bristling leaves".

Classification

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.

Examples

• The ferns bristled in the garden, their delicate fronds a soothing sight.
• The plant's stems bristled with sharp thorns, deterring any potential predators.
• The hedgehog's back bristled with quills, a defense mechanism to protect it from harm.
• The tree's branches bristled with sharp twigs and leaves, making it difficult to climb.
• The cactus's surface bristled with spines, warning passersby to keep a safe distance.

Hypernyms

• Feature