Meaning & use
Bristling
Last updated
Standing up stiffly, like bristles, often as a sign of anger, fear, or indignation.
See it in a sentence
The cat's fur went bristling as the dog approached.
She was clearly bristling with anger after the insult.
A note on using this word
"Bristling" is often used figuratively for a place or thing filled with something in abundance, as in "a fortress bristling with cannons."
Words with a similar meaning
pricklingstiffening
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
relaxing
Another way to use it
2. adjective
Filled or covered densely with something, as if with bristles.
The old fort was bristling with cannons pointed toward the sea.
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