startle
[ stahr-tl ]
/ ˈstɑr tl /
verb (used with object), star·tled, star·tling.
to disturb or agitate suddenly as by surprise or alarm.
to cause to start involuntarily, by or as by a sudden shock.
verb (used without object), star·tled, star·tling.
to start involuntarily, as from a shock of surprise or alarm.
noun
a sudden shock of surprise, alarm, or the like.
something that startles.
Origin of startle
SYNONYMS FOR startle
OTHER WORDS FROM startle
star·tle·ment, noun star·tler, noun out·star·tle, verb (used with object), out·star·tled, out·star·tling. un·star·tled, adjectiveWords nearby startle
Example sentences from the Web for startled
British Dictionary definitions for startled
startle
/ (ˈstɑːtəl) /
verb
to be or cause to be surprised or frightened, esp so as to start involuntarily
Derived forms of startle
startler, nounWord Origin for startle
Old English
steartlian to stumble; related to Middle High German
starzen to strut, Norwegian
sterta to strain oneself