Bristled: meaning, definitions and examples

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bristled

 

[ ˈbrɪs.əld ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

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

annoyed, irritated, offended

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.

Word origin

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,044, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.