Bristle definition

Bristle

Topics Bristle Definition

WordNet

(1) A stiff hair

(2) A stiff fiber (coarse hair or filament); natural or synthetic

(3) React in an offended or angry manner

"He bristled at her suggestion that he should teach her how to use the program"

(4) Rise up as in fear

"The dog's fur bristled"

"It was a sight to make one's hair uprise!"

(5) Be in a state of movement or action

"The room abounded with screaming children"

"The garden bristled with toddlers"

WiktionaryText

A stiff or coarse hair.
The hair or straws that make up a brush, broom, or similar item.
A humorous misspelling of Bristol, in imitation of the local dialect in the English city of that name,
- Krek Waiter, Peak Bristle.
  
  Correct Way to Speak Bristol.

To be on one's guard or raise one's defenses; to react with fear, suspicion, or distance.

The employees bristled at the prospect of working through the holidays.