bristle

[bris-uhl] / ˈbrɪs əl /

NOUN

short, prickly hair

Synonyms

STRONG

barb feeler fiber point prickle quill spine stubble thorn vibrissa whisker

VERB

become upset, excited

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bridle fume seethe

STRONG

boil flare rage rise ruffle spit swell

WEAK

be angry be infuriated be maddened blow up boil over flare up get one's dander up see red stand on end

Antonyms

STRONGEST

be happy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Others bristled at the Mayor’s comparison of the freeway and public transit.

From Los Angeles Times

For larger, firmer areas like her back, she preferred the bristled side.

From Science Daily

Many residents are thrilled by the promising tool, but others bristle at the idea of manipulating nature.

From Los Angeles Times

“A fur muff?” she demanded, each word bristling with suspicion.

From Literature

I bristled as she pulled my braid around and laid it on my chest.

From Literature