intransitive verb

1. to make a sudden, involuntary or unexpected movement, as when surprised; jump, leap, jerk, etc. in a startled way
2. to be displaced; become loose, warped, etc.
3. to stick out or seem to stick out eyes starting in fear
4. 1. to begin to do something or go somewhere; go into action or motion
   2. to make or have a beginning; commence
5. to be among the beginning entrants, as in a race; be a starter
6. to spring into being, activity, view, or the like

Etymology: ME sterten < OE styrtan & ON sterta, akin to Ger stürzen, to overthrow < IE *sterd- < base *(s)ter-, stiff, walk stiffly > stare, starve, stork

transitive verb

1. to cause to jump or move suddenly; rouse or flush (game)
2. to displace, loosen, warp, etc.
3. 1. to enter upon; begin to perform, play, do, etc.
   2. to cause or enable to begin; set into motion, action, or operation
4. to introduce (a subject, topic, or discussion)
5. to open and make the contents flow from (a receptacle); tap
6. 1. to give the starting signal for (a race) or to (the contestants in a race)
   2. to cause to be an entrant in a race, etc.
   3. to put (a player) into a game at the beginning
   4. to play in (a game) at the beginning: said of a player
7. Now Chiefly Dial. to cause to start, or move involuntarily; startle

noun

1. a sudden, brief shock or fright; startled reaction
2. a sudden, startled movement; jump, leap, jerk, etc.
3. sudden, usually brief bursts of activity: usually in the phrase by fits and starts
4. 1. a part that is loosened, warped, etc.
   2. a break or gap resulting from this
5. a starting, or beginning; a getting into action or motion; commencement; specif., the fact of being part of the team that starts a game a pitcher with 30 starts for the season
6. 1. a place where, or a time when, a beginning is made, as in a race; starting point ahead from the start
   2. a lead or other advantage, as at the beginning of a race or contest
   3. a signal to begin, as in a race
7. an opportunity of beginning or entering upon a career, etc.
8. Archaic an outburst or fit, as of emotion, or a sally, as of wit