1. past tense of bristle; to show anger or irritation
2. past tense of bristle; (of hair or fur) to stand up stiffly
3. past tense of bristle; to be full of or covered with something

Examples

• She bristled at the unfair criticism.
• The cat’s fur bristled when it saw the dog.
• He bristled with indignation at the accusation.
• The porcupine’s quills bristled as it felt threatened.
• The fortress bristled with cannons and weapons.
• Her hair bristled with static electricity.
• The angry crowd bristled with hostility.