Pronunciation: /ˈhækəl/
noun a feather or series of feathers on the neck or saddle of a bird, especially a gamecock
A1 The dog's hackles rose when he sensed danger nearby.
A2 She could feel her hackles rising as the argument escalated.
B1 The mention of his ex-girlfriend's name caused his hackles to rise.
B2 The politician's controversial statements raised the hackles of many citizens.
C1 The journalist's investigative report really raised the hackles of the government officials.
C2 The company's decision to cut employee benefits has raised hackles among the workforce.
verb to irritate or annoy someone, typically by teasing or provoking them
A1 She hackles her hair before going out.
A2 The dog hackles when it sees a stranger approaching.
B1 The politician hackled the audience with his controversial statements.
B2 The comedian hackled the heckler in the crowd with witty comebacks.
C1 The activist hackled the government officials during the protest.
C2 The journalist hackled the CEO during the press conference with tough questions.
formal The fly fisherman carefully adjusted the hackle on his fishing lure.
informal She couldn't help but laugh when her friend's hair stood up like a hackle.
slang The old man's hackles were raised when he heard the news.
figurative The controversial topic seemed to raise hackles among the audience.
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