startle

[ stahr-tl ]

verb (used with object)

, star·tled, star·tling.

1. to disturb or agitate suddenly as by surprise or alarm.

   Synonyms: astonish, frighten, scare

2. to cause to start involuntarily, by or as by a sudden shock.

verb (used without object)

, star·tled, star·tling.

1. to start involuntarily, as from a shock of surprise or alarm.

noun

1. a sudden shock of surprise, alarm, or the like.
2. something that startles.

startle

/ ˈstɑːtəl /

verb

1. to be or cause to be surprised or frightened, esp so as to start involuntarily

Derived Forms

• ˈstartler, noun

Other Words From

• star·tle·ment noun
• star·tler noun
• out·star·tle verb (used with object) outstartled outstartling

Word History and Origins

Origin of startle¹

First recorded before 1100; Middle English stertlen “to rush, caper,” equivalent to stert(en) “to begin, start” ( start + -(e)len -le, or continuing Old English steartlian “to kick, struggle”

Word History and Origins

Origin of startle¹

Old English steartlian to stumble; related to Middle High German starzen to strut, Norwegian sterta to strain oneself

Synonym Study

See shock ¹.

Example Sentences

Previously, scientists have reported that hexadecanal reduces stress in mice, while other research has shown that humans release the compound in our feces, skin, and breath, and that it might affect our startle response.

From Popular-Science

Not only is this comfortable for your little one, but it suppresses their startle reflexes which encourages them to sleep longer and keeps them warm without the use of loose blankets, which can be dangerous.

From Popular-Science

They startle viewers, rouse viewers, occasionally put off and occasionally turn on viewers.

From The Daily Beast

The group acknowledged that the tactic “was meant to startle people.”

From The Daily Beast

The French women certainly talk with a freedom which would startle an English or American female.

From Project Gutenberg

The striking originality of this idea will startle any one who has never heard of such a thing before.

From Project Gutenberg

"You oughtn't to slip up an' s-startle a lady that-a-way," she said with grave rebuke, and Hale looked humbled.

From Project Gutenberg

While the Constitution lasts, they are repressed; they spring up to annoy and startle us only from its grave.

From Project Gutenberg

But Merriwell feared to startle the old man, and therefore he did not call.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agitate
• alarm
• amaze
• astonish
• astound
• awe
• scare
• shake up
• shock
• stagger
• stun
• terrify