bristle at (something)
To show sudden displeasure or anger at some provocation. I bristled at the suggestion that I trade offices with someone else in the department. He bristled at our criticism of his novel and stormed out of the room.
bristle with rage
To show sudden anger. I bristled with rage when I saw that someone had hit my car overnight.
bristle at something
Fig. to show sudden anger or other negative response to something. (Alludes to a dog or cat raising the hair on its back in anger or as a threat.) She bristled at the suggestion. I knew Lily would bristle at the appearance of Max.
bristle with rage
and bristle with anger; bristle with indignationFig. to demonstrate one's anger, rage, or displeasure with a strong negative response. (Alludes to a dog or cat raising the hair on its back in anger or as a threat.) She was just bristling with anger. I don't know what set her off. Walter bristled with rage as he saw the damage to his new car.