bristle at

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Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): * To react with sudden, sharp anger, irritation, or indignation; to become visibly or audibly defensive and offended in response to something said or done.

Usage

This phrasal verb describes an immediate, often instinctive, negative emotional reaction to a perceived insult, criticism, or provocation. It implies the person is metaphorically "prickling" like an angry animal's bristling fur. It is typically followed by the preposition "at" to introduce the source of the offense.

Examples
  • She bristled at the suggestion that her work was incomplete.
  • He bristles at any criticism of his leadership style.
  • The veteran bristled at the young recruit's disrespectful tone.
Advanced Usage
  • The phrasal verb can sometimes be used with a direct object in a passive or causative sense, though this is less common.
    • His arrogant remarks were clearly meant to bristle her. (To cause her to bristle)
  • It can describe a reaction not just to words, but to situations or implications.
    • The community bristled at the new, restrictive regulations.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bristle (verb): The base form, meaning to stand stiffly upright (like hair or fur), or to react with anger.
    • The cat's fur bristled when it saw the dog.
  • Bristly (adjective): Having bristles; or, figuratively, easily irritated or short-tempered.
    • He has a bristly personality and often takes things the wrong way.
Synonyms
  • Take offense at: To feel insulted or resentful.
  • Bridle at: To show sudden anger or resentment, especially by drawing one's head back.
  • Chafe at: To feel irritated or impatient about.
  • Fume at: To be very angry, often silently.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Bristle with: To be thickly covered with or full of something (often problems or difficulties).
    • The proposal bristles with potential complications.
Related Idioms
  • Make someone's hackles rise: To cause someone to become angry or defensive. ("Hackles" refer to the hairs on an animal's neck that bristle when angry.)
    • His condescending attitude made her hackles rise.
Verb
  1. show anger or indignation
    • She bristled at his insolent remarks

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