Bristling: meaning, definitions and examples

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bristling

 

[ หˆbrษชs.lษชล‹ ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

appearance or texture

Bristling refers to something that is stiff, upright, or covered with bristles, which can give it a rough or prickly appearance. This term is often used to describe fur or hair that is standing on end, suggesting agitation or alertness. In a figurative sense, it can also relate to intense emotions such as anger or defensiveness. Bristling can convey both a physical and emotional state, indicating a readiness to confront or react.

Synonyms

prickly, spiky, stiff

Examples of usage

  • The cat's bristling fur indicated its fear.
  • His bristling attitude suggested he was ready for a fight.
  • The bushes were bristling with thorns.
Context #2 | Verb

reaction or response

To bristle means to react in a defensive or angry manner. When someone bristles, they may become tense, agitated, or show visible signs of irritation. This response can occur when someone feels threatened, insulted, or challenged, often leading to an increase in their emotional intensity. The term may also refer to hair or fur standing upright in response to stimulation or excitement.

Synonyms

flare-up, react, seethe

Examples of usage

  • She bristled at his criticism.
  • The dog bristled, sensing the stranger's presence.
  • He bristled with indignation.

Translations

Translations of the word "bristling" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น espinhoso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเค‚เคŸเฅ‡เคฆเคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช stachelig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berduri

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะปัŽั‡ะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kolczasty

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใจใ’ใฎใ‚ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉpineux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ espinoso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dikenli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€์‹œ๊ฐ€ ์žˆ๋Š”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดุงุฆูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ trnitรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tล•nistรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅˆบ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bodljikav

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gaddur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚าฑะนั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒญแƒ™แƒแƒ•แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kษ™narlฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ espinoso

Etymology

The word 'bristle' originates from the Old English term 'bristlian', which means 'to become stiff or prickly'. This word is derived from 'bristle', referring to a short, stiff hair or fiber. The Old English term traces back to Proto-Germanic roots, connecting it to similar words in German and Dutch. Over time, 'bristle' evolved to describe not only the physical characteristics of hair or fibers but also metaphorically to express heightened emotional responses. The usage of 'bristling' in contemporary English embodies this duality, illustrating both the physical and psychological states.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,934, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.