1. showing anger or irritation; reacting defensively
2. full of or covered with something; densely packed

1. present participle of bristle: to stand up stiffly like bristles
2. present participle of bristle: to show anger or irritation

Examples

• The dog’s fur was bristling with fear.
• She was bristling with anger after the unfair accusation.
• The fortress was bristling with weapons and guards.
• His hair was bristling from the static electricity.
• The critic was bristling at the negative review of his work.
• The garden was bristling with thorny roses.
• He stood bristling with indignation at the insult.