prickle

Universal Words verb, noun verb 1 to give sb an unpleasant feeling on their skin, as if they were being pricked by sth sharp: [VN] The rough cloth prickled my skin. * [V] His moustache prickled when he kissed me. 2 [V] (of skin, eyes, etc.) to sting or feel strange and unpleasant because you are frightened, angry, excited, etc: Her eyes prickled with tears. * The thought made her prickle with excitement. * The hairs on the back of my neck prickled when I heard the door open. * (figurative) He prickled (= became angry) at the suggestion that it had been his fault. noun 1 a small sharp part on the stem or leaf of a plant or on the skin of some animals: a cactus covered in prickles 2 a slight stinging feeling on the skin: a prickle of fear / excitement