bristle

[ bris-uhl ]

noun

1. one of the short, stiff, coarse hairs of certain animals, especially hogs, used extensively in making brushes.
2. anything resembling these hairs.

verb (used without object)

, bris·tled, bris·tling.

1. to stand or rise stiffly, like bristles.
2. to erect the bristles, as an irritated animal (often followed by up ):

   The hog bristled up.

3. to become rigid with anger or irritation:

   The man bristled when I asked him to move.

4. to be thickly set or filled with something suggestive of bristles:

   The plain bristled with bayonets. The project bristled with difficulties.

5. to be visibly roused or stirred (usually followed by up ).

verb (used with object)

, bris·tled, bris·tling.

1. to erect like bristles:

   The rooster bristled his crest.

2. to furnish with a bristle or bristles.
3. to make bristly.

bristle

/ ˈbrɪsəl /

noun

1. any short stiff hair of an animal or plant
2. something resembling these hair

   toothbrush bristle

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by up to stand up or cause to stand up like bristles

   the angry cat's fur bristled

2. intrsometimes foll byup to show anger, indignation, etc

   she bristled at the suggestion

3. intr to be thickly covered or set

   the target bristled with arrows

4. intr to be in a state of agitation or movement

   the office was bristling with activity

5. tr to provide with a bristle or bristles

Derived Forms

• ˈbristly, adjective

Other Words From

• bristle·less adjective
• bristle·like adjective
• non·bristled adjective
• un·bristled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bristle¹

before 1000; Middle English bristel, equivalent to brist ( Old English byrst bristle, cognate with German Borste, Old Norse burst ) + -el diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of bristle¹

C13 bristil , brustel , from earlier brust , from Old English byrst ; related to Old Norse burst , Old High German borst

Example Sentences

He also bristles at the term “Christian nationalist,” saying there’s nothing wrong with loving God and his country at the same time.

From Los Angeles Times

Looking back on his career, Jones bristled at the idea that his later achievements were due to his stature and connections rather than consistently inventive musicianship.

From Los Angeles Times

New Zealand still bristled with danger when afforded space.

From BBC

But Anthony Simpson bristles at the idea of education facing this tax.

From BBC

To a casual observer, the quintet might seem like the prototype girl band: Coiffed, choreographed and bristling with confidence.

From BBC

Related Words

• bridle
• fume
• seethe