noun
a short stiff hair or bristle-like appendage on an animal or plant
verb
to react angrily or defensively in a hostile or offended manner
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The porcupine's quills bristle when it feels threatened.
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She could see his hair bristle with anger as he argued with his boss.
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I could feel my skin bristle when I heard that creepy noise in the dark.
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The tension in the room was so thick you could practically see it bristle between them.