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Bristle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bristle

[ˈbrɪsəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

brush

a stiff animal hair or synthetic fiber used for cleaning or painting

Synonyms

bristle broom, bristle brush, fiber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bristle

With a different meaning, it can refer to someone reacting angrily or defensively.

  • She bristled at the suggestion that she was wrong
  • He bristled with anger when he heard the news
fiber

A general term for a thread or filament, natural or synthetic, often used in the context of textiles, diet, and materials. Less specific than bristle.

  • The fabric is made of natural fibers
  • Whole grains are an excellent source of dietary fiber
bristle brush

A brush with stiff bristles used for scrubbing or grooming, applicable in cleaning or personal care.

  • She used a bristle brush to clean the tiles
  • Use a bristle brush to groom your pet's fur properly
bristle broom

Describes a type of broom with stiff, coarse bristles, used for heavy-duty sweeping, often outdoors.

  • The bristle broom is perfect for sweeping the garage floor
  • Use a bristle broom to clean the debris off the sidewalk

Examples of usage

  • The artist used a bristle brush to paint the fine details.
  • She swept the floor with a bristle broom.
Context #2 | Noun

anger

a short, stiff hair, typically one of those on an animal's skin, that is used to sense touch or to brush away insects

Synonyms

hair, quill, spine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bristle

Used to describe short, stiff hairs found on animals or brushes. It can also mean reacting angrily or defensively.

  • The dog bristled when it saw the stranger.
  • He felt his neck bristle in anger.
hair

Common term for the strands of material that grow on the skin of humans or animals.

  • She has beautiful long hair.
  • The cat's soft hair was nice to touch.
spine

Can refer to a series of vertebrae forming the backbone, or the sharp, needle-like projections on some plants or animals.

  • She felt a pain in her spine.
  • The cactus had long spines on it.
quill

Usually refers to the stiff, sharp hollow spine of a porcupine or hedgehog, or can refer to an old-fashioned type of pen.

  • The porcupine's quills were very sharp.
  • He dipped the quill in ink and began to write.

Examples of usage

  • The cat's bristles stood on end as a sign of aggression.
  • He felt his bristles rise at the insult.
Context #3 | Verb

react defensively

to react defensively or with anger

Synonyms

become agitated, react defensively, show anger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bristle

Used when someone suddenly feels angry or defensive, often visibly reacting to something that has been said or done.

  • She bristled at the criticism of her work
  • His tone made her bristle with annoyance
react defensively

Implies that someone is responding with an inclination to defend themselves, sometimes even if no direct attack is intended.

  • He reacted defensively when asked about his performance
  • She tends to react defensively to any form of criticism
show anger

A general term for any behavior that openly displays feelings of anger or frustration.

  • He showed anger by raising his voice
  • Her body language showed anger despite her calm words
become agitated

Describes a state where someone becomes nervous, upset, or excited, often causing them to act in a restless or uneasy manner.

  • He became agitated when he couldn't find his keys
  • She started to become agitated during the heated argument

Examples of usage

  • She bristled at the criticism of her work.
  • The dog bristled at the stranger's approach.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Some animals, like porcupines, have bristles that they can raise as a defense mechanism against predators.
  • Human hair can bristle due to emotional reactions, showing how our body responds to feelings.
  • Certain plants have bristly structures that protect them from being eaten by herbivores.

Literature

  • The term is often used in literature to evoke feelings of fright or tension, giving characters a physical response to their emotions.
  • In poetry, bristles can symbolize defenses or barriers, representing a protective stance against the world.

Pop Culture

  • The expression 'bristling with anticipation' is commonly used to describe someone who is eagerly excited or ready.
  • In animated films, characters often bristle in sudden shock to convey humor or surprise.

Psychology

  • A person's hair standing on end can signal a fight-or-flight response, showing a deep-rooted survival instinct.
  • The act of bristling can reflect social interactions, where people show defensiveness or readiness when feeling threatened.

Origin of 'bristle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'brist', meaning 'a stiff hair or fiber', showing how it's been used for ages.
  • It originally referred to animal hairs or fibers that were stiff and upright, emphasizing a defensive position.

The word 'bristle' originated from the Old English word 'byrstl', which referred to a bristle or stiff hair. Over time, it came to be used in various contexts related to stiff hair-like structures, such as animal hairs or fibers used in brushes. The term has also been associated with the idea of bristling in anger or defensiveness, reflecting the sharp and prickly nature of bristles. Today, 'bristle' is commonly used to describe both physical hair-like structures and emotional reactions characterized by hostility or agitation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,705, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.