Hackle
noun
One of the long, stiff feathers on the neck of a bird, especially a rooster.
The rooster raised its hackles when it saw the intruder.
Often appears as...
- raised hackles
- hackle feathers
Usage tips
Neutral
General
verb
To raise the hackles; to become defensive or aggressive in reaction to something.
The dog hackled at the stranger approaching.
Often appears as...
- hackle at someone
- hackle in response
Usage tips
Neutral
Colloquial
noun
One of the long, stiff feathers on the neck of a bird, especially a rooster.
The rooster raised its hackles when it saw the intruder.
Often appears as...
- raised hackles
- hackle feathers
Usage tips
Neutral
General
verb
To raise the hackles; to become defensive or aggressive in reaction to something.
The dog hackled at the stranger approaching.
Often appears as...
- hackle at someone
- hackle in response
Usage tips
Neutral
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/1Metaphor
Using 'hackle' can describe someone as being defensive or aggressive.
When she heard criticism, her hackles went up.
Pro Tip 1/1Metaphor
Using 'hackle' can describe someone as being defensive or aggressive.
When she heard criticism, her hackles went up.
Pro Tip 1/1Metaphor
Using 'hackle' can describe someone as being defensive or aggressive.
When she heard criticism, her hackles went up.
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