startle
startle definition
star·tle (stärt′'l)
transitive verb startled -·tled, startling -·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
Related Forms:
- startler star′·tler noun
- startling star′·tling adjective
- startlingly star′·tlingly adverb
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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