bristle
UK: ˈbrɪs(ə)l | US: ˈbrɪsəl
n. 1. A short, stiff hair or fiber, typically from an animal or brush.
n. 2. A stiff, prickly plant part (e.g., on a thistle).
vi. 1. To react defensively or angrily (often with "up").
vi. 2. To stand stiffly erect (of hair or fibers).
Derived from Old English byrst (bristle), related to Proto-Germanic burstiz (bristle, stiff hair). The suffix -le likely adds a diminutive or repetitive quality, emphasizing smallness or repeated action (e.g., "bristling" with anger). The word retains its core association with stiffness, evolving metaphorically to describe defensive reactions.
The boar’s bristles stood erect when threatened.
She bristled at the unfair criticism.
The brush was made of coarse hog bristles.
His beard bristled with tiny gray hairs.
The cat’s fur bristled during the confrontation.