As a verb:
* "The cat bristled its fur when it heard the dog barking." (meaning the cat's fur stood on end)
* "He bristled at her accusations, his face turning red with anger." (meaning he became angry and defensive)
* "The old man bristled with indignation at the disrespectful remarks." (meaning he showed strong displeasure)
As a noun:
* "The brush had stiff bristles that were perfect for cleaning the grill." (referring to the stiff hairs of a brush)
* "The artist used a mixture of bristles and canvas to create his unique style." (referring to the materials used in art)
Figuratively:
* "The city bristled with activity, full of people rushing about." (meaning the city was filled with energy and movement)
* "The room bristled with tension as the two rivals faced each other." (meaning the atmosphere was charged with anticipation)
In different contexts:
* "The porcupine's bristles were a formidable defense mechanism." (referring to the sharp spines of a porcupine)
* "The politician's bristling response to the question showed his unwillingness to back down." (meaning the politician's answer was defensive and assertive)
The meaning of "bristle" depends on the context, but it usually relates to anger, defense, or a feeling of being irritated. You can also use it to describe things that are stiff or have a rough texture.