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startle Definition

star·tle (stärt′'l)

transitive verb -·tled, -·tling

to surprise, frighten, or alarm suddenly or unexpectedly; esp., to cause to start, or move involuntarily, as from sudden fright

Etymology: ME stertlen, to rush, stumble along, freq. of sterten: see start

intransitive verb

to be startled

noun

a start or shock, as of surprise or fright

startle Related Forms
star′·tler noun star′·tling adjective star′·tlingly adverb
startle Synonyms

startle

v.

alarm, shock, astonish, disturb, agitate; see also frighten 1, surprise 2.

startle Usage Examples

Object

  • deer: Beside, he was curious to know what had startled the deer.
  • rabbit: Move, Jo leaps out of the way looking like a startled rabbit caught in car headlamps.
  • cry: They had reached the very wildest and most desolate portion of the pass when the girl gave a startled cry, and pointed upwards.
  • horse: We want everyone to enjoy their time on the Trail, and you don't want to startle the horses!
  • eye: Staring out at us with wide, startled eyes, they seem almost to have been caught in the act.
  • expression: He glanced over my shoulder with a startled expression.

Adjective complement

  • reflex: Body movements may occur such as brief arm or leg movement or a startle reflex.

Modifying Another Word

  • somewhat: We were somewhat startled recently to see a " Springfield Scout " proclaimed on the cover of the American Rifleman.
  • slightly: Even Teal'c's usually placid face wore a slightly startled expression.
  • easily: Ross will probably be more easily startled than normal.
  • rather: Rather startled, I turned to see who had asked the question.
  • quite: Lost in a heavy sleep of which they had no memory, they were quite startled to be back in their cabin.
  • so: Lucy was so startled, she ran off sobbing with fright but outside the bars, Beard Man just kept clicking on.

Used with why or when

  • when: Lauren looks around the office and is startled when the door shuts.

Infinitive complement

  • discover: Police officers were then startled to discover that 3,200 investigations were shared by 300 children who go missing at least three times a year.
  • hear: She was startled to hear a shout from the street.
  • find: I'd then wake up startled to find myself still in the bed with no covers moved.
  • see: Reality: several years ago at the Paris Marathon, I was startled to see sponges offered to runners at all the water stops.

Preposition: by

  • noise: A Bradwell resident startled by strange noises in the chimney was shocked to discover a trapped owl.
  • sound: They are startled by strange sounds in the air which they trace to a cavern.