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Bristling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bristling

[หˆbrษชs.lษชล‹ ]

Definitions

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

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, bristling is often used to convey emotions like anger or heightened tension, bringing a vivid image to the readerโ€™s mind.
  • Famous authors have used the term to describe characters whose hair stands on end, indicating fear or surprise.
  • It's commonly found in poetry to evoke imagery that captures sensations and physical reactions.

Nature

  • Many animals, like porcupines and hedgehogs, bristle their quills or spines when threatened, as a defense mechanism.
  • Certain plants, such as nettles, have bristling hairs that can sting, making them unappealing to predators.
  • Weather phenomena, like strong winds, can make grass and trees appear bristling as they sway vigorously.

Psychology

  • The term is often used to describe physiological reactions to fear, such as hair standing up on end.
  • Bristling can reflect a state of alertness or readiness to react, a response rooted in evolutionary survival instincts.
  • In social psychology, individuals may 'bristle' when confronted with criticism or perceived threats to their dignity.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, characters are described as bristling to convey their readiness to fight or their discomfort in tense situations.
  • Cartoons often exaggerate the bristling effect to humorously illustrate a character's anger or surprise.
  • The phrase 'bristling with ideas' is used to describe someone who is full of energetic thoughts or plans.

Origin of 'bristling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English term 'brist', meaning stiff hair or bristle.
  • In medieval times, 'bristling' was used to describe the fur of wild animals when they were frightened.
  • The use of 'bristling' in literature can describe both literal and metaphorical states, such as fear or anger.

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.