prickle
[noun]
Synonyms:
- spike, barb, needle, point, spine, spur, thorn
[verb]
Synonyms:
- tingle, itch, smart, sting
- prick, jab, stick

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. prick‧le¹ /ˈprɪkəl/ noun [countable]
[Language: Old English; Origin: pricle]

1. a long thin sharp point on the skin of some animals or the surface of some plants

2. if you feel a prickle of fear, anger, or excitement, you feel slightly afraid, angry, or excited in a way that makes your skin feel slightly cold and uncomfortable
prickle of
She felt a prickle of fear as she realized that she was alone.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. prickle² verb

1. [intransitive and transitive] if something prickles your skin, it makes it sting slightly:
A cold breeze prickled his face.
His hair prickled my neck.
prickle on
He felt sweat prickle on his forehead.

2. [intransitive] if your skin prickles, it begins to sting slightly:
Her skin was prickling uncomfortably.

3. [intransitive] British English if your eyes prickle, they sting slightly because you are going to cry:
She felt her eyes prickle. ‘It was awful,’ she whispered.
My eyes prickled with tears.

4. [intransitive] if you prickle, you feel slightly angry, excited, or afraid
prickle with
The thought of meeting him made her prickle with excitement.
prickle at
She felt herself prickle (=become angry) at his tone of voice.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲