verb
bridle
To react with resentment or offense.
She bridled at the suggestion that she had cheated.
Etymology
The older word names the equipment controlling a horse’s head. The resentful reaction is pictured through the raised or drawn-back head of a horse responding against restraint.
More examples
- He bristles and bridles whenever his judgment is questioned.
- The manager bridled at the blunt criticism.
- They expected him to bridle at the demand.
Forms
bridle · bridles · bridled · bridling