1 C1 idiomatic informal
To become angry, defensive, or agitated in response to a threat or provocation.
"The senator hackled up when the journalist suggested he had misused public funds."
inseparable
hackle up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To become defensive, angry, or agitated, like an animal raising the hackles on the back of its neck.
In plain English
To get angry or defensive, like a dog that raises the fur on its neck when it feels threatened.
What does "hackle up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For an animal to raise its hackles (neck feathers or fur) in a threatening display.
Actually means
To get angry or defensive, like a dog that raises the fur on its neck when it feels threatened.
Usage tip
Rare as a phrasal verb. Most commonly seen in the phrase 'raise someone's hackles' rather than as a standalone phrasal verb. The noun 'hackles' refers to the feathers or hairs on the neck of a bird or dog that rise when the animal is angry or scared. Used figuratively of people.
Words that pair with "hackle up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
politician audience crowd opponent critic rival
How to conjugate "hackle up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hackle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hackles up
he/she/it
Past simple
hackled up
yesterday
Past participle
hackled up
have + pp
-ing form
hackling up
continuous
Hear "hackle up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hackle up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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