Hedgehog-like

Characterized by or resembling the physical appearance, behavior, or attributes of a hedgehog. This typically refers to having a body covered in stiff, sharp spines, conveying a sense of being prickly, defensive, or potentially dangerous. It can also describe something small, compact, and somewhat nocturnal. Metaphorically, it can describe a person's guarded demeanor, a difficult or thorny situation, or a product designed with numerous, small, and possibly delicate elements, or anything related to the animal hedgehog, directly.

Hedgehog-like meaning with examples

• The unusual sculpture, made of tightly packed, metal rods, had a hedgehog-like texture, appearing spiky and intriguing. The animal's defensive posture and the texture reminded me of the artwork. Visitors were drawn to touch it carefully. Its hedgehog-like exterior suggested an interesting design.
• She noticed the animal’s coat; its fur felt hedgehog-like against her fingers, a prickly experience that made her cautious when petting it. The sudden movements and prickly spines made it apparent this wasn't a dog. With this defense, it didn’t have to fear the wild.
• The software's interface was hedgehog-like in its complexity; the multiple layers of menus and settings proved overwhelming at first. The product’s functionality was difficult to understand without studying it. This made new users hesitate because it took a long time to learn the interface.
• The neglected garden, overgrown with thistles and brambles, presented a hedgehog-like appearance. The unkempt surroundings were dense with plants, looking messy and unattended. Many avoided walking through it. This made it difficult to work within the borders.
• His abrupt responses and curt nature gave him a hedgehog-like reputation. It could be said he was hard to get along with. His personality wasn’t inviting to others. That was the consequence of the defensive nature of the hedgehog.