To erect stiffly (hair, etc.) like bristles: chiefly in a temper of hostility. Also with up.

intransitive. Of hair: To stand up in short crisp curls. Also transitive. To set up (hair) on end; to erect.

to bolt upright: to cause to stand on end.

transitive. To ruffle (the hair); to make it bristle or stand on end. Also with up.