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startle
transitive verb startled, startling
to surprise, frighten, or alarm suddenly or unexpectedly; esp., to cause to start, or move involuntarily, as from sudden fright
intransitive verb
to be startled
noun
a start or shock, as of surprise or fright
Related Forms:
- startler noun
- startling adjective
- startlingly adverb
See startle in American Heritage Dictionary 4
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