The word “bristle” can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a stiff, coarse hair or fiber, often found on animals, brushes, or plants. As a verb, “bristle” describes the act of stiffening or standing on end, often as a physical response to fear, anger, or irritation. Figuratively, it is used to convey reacting with anger, defensiveness, or indignation. The word vividly describes tension, irritation, or physical rigidity.
Example Sentences
- The cat’s fur began to bristle when the dog entered the room.
- He could feel his skin bristle with fear as the footsteps grew closer.
- She tried to stay calm, but her tone bristled with irritation.
- The old broom had stiff bristles that scraped the floor effectively.
- The soldier’s neck bristled at the sound of an unexpected noise.
- His remarks made her bristle in anger as she struggled to keep her composure.
- The field was full of tall grass that bristled in the wind.
- The teacher’s voice bristled with authority, quieting the noisy students.
- The animal’s quills began to bristle as a sign of danger.
- The brush’s hard bristles worked perfectly to clean the muddy shoes.
Synonyms
As a noun:
- Hair
- Fiber
- Quill
- Spike
- Stubble
As a verb (literal and figurative):
- Stiffen
- Stand on end
- Rise
- Prickle
- Quiver
- React
- Fume
- Seethe
- Bridle
- Flare up
Antonyms
For physical reactions:
- Relax
- Soften
- Flatten
For emotional reactions:
- Calm
- Accept
- Tolerate
- Yield
- Submit
Related Words
- Stiff
- Quill
- Prickle
- Bristly
- Spike
- Irritation
- Defensiveness
- Agitation
- Hair
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Bristle at: To react angrily or defensively to something.
- Take offense at: To become upset or irritated by someone’s words or actions.
- Rise up: To stand up stiffly, either physically or figuratively.
- Snap back: To respond sharply or defensively.
Idiomatic Expressions
- Get one’s hackles up: To become angry, defensive, or irritated, similar to “bristle.”
- Ruffle someone’s feathers: To provoke, irritate, or annoy someone.
- Rub the wrong way: To cause irritation or agitation, making someone “bristle.”
- On edge: To be tense, irritable, or prone to bristling.
- Like a porcupine: To behave defensively or appear unapproachable, as though “bristling.”
The word “bristle” effectively conveys physical stiffness, such as hair or fibers standing upright, as well as emotional reactions to anger, irritation, or discomfort. Its synonyms, antonyms, and related expressions make it versatile for describing defensive behavior, physical responses, and tense situations, both literally and figuratively.
