Bristled Meaning: Definition and Examples
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bristled
[ˈbrɪs.əld ]
Definitions
hair or fur
To bristle means to stand upright away from the surface, especially in response to a threat, or to be covered with this type of hair or fur. It often describes the way an animal's hair stands on end when it feels threatened or angry.
Synonyms
prickle, rise, spike, stand up.
Examples of usage
- The cat bristled its fur when it saw the dog.
- He bristled at the criticism from his peers.
- The hedgehog bristled when approached.
- The soldier's hair bristled as the alarms rang.
angry reaction
When someone is described as bristled, it indicates that they are visibly annoyed or defensive. This use often relates to a person's demeanor, particularly when they react negatively to a situation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She bristled at the suggestion that she was wrong.
- His bristled response showed his irritation.
- The employee bristled when asked to stay late.
- Her bristled tone made it clear she was offended.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Animals like cats and dogs bristle to appear larger and more intimidating to threats.
- In humans, small muscles at the base of hair follicles can contract, causing hair to stand upright in response to emotions.
- This reaction is part of the 'fight or flight' response, an instinctive survival mechanism.
Literature
- Authors often use the term 'bristled' to convey tension or alertness in characters, enhancing emotional depth.
- In poetry, bristled imagery can evoke strong sensations, linking the physical state of characters to their inner feelings.
- Classic literature occasionally features bristled descriptions to symbolize the conflict between nature and civilization.
Art
- Artistic representations of animals that are bristled show raw emotion, making the connection between physicality and feeling immediate.
- In visual storytelling, an artist may depict a bristled character to symbolize tension before a climax in the narrative.
- Illustrators often exaggerate bristled fur or hair to amplify feelings of surprise or fear in their work.
Psychology
- The bristling response is linked to heightened states of arousal, showing how feelings can manifest physically.
- Psychologists study bristled behavior to better understand body language and its role in communication.
- Expressions that show bristled emotions can signal social cues, helping groups navigate interactions more effectively.
Origin of 'bristled'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'bryst', meaning stiff hair or bristle.
- Historically, the term was used to describe how animals' fur would stand on end when frightened.
- The link between emotions and posture is captured in this word's evolution, reflecting a universal response in animals.
The word 'bristle' originated from the Old English 'bristl,' which referred to a stiff hair or a short, coarse hair. Its cognates exist in various Germanic languages, pointing to a common root: in Dutch it is 'borstel' and in German 'Bristle,' meaning brush. Historically, the term has retained its reference to stiff hair and has expanded to describe the raising of hair on animals, often signifying alarm or aggression. The evolution of the word has seen it transform into modern contexts that describe human reactions, amplifying its descriptive versatility. The transition from a physical description to a metaphoric representation of emotion showcases the dynamic way language evolves.