startle

[ˈstɑːtl]

startle Definition

• 1. cause to feel sudden shock or alarm
• 2. move or jump suddenly as a result of a sudden shock or surprise

Using startle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "startle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The loud noise startled me.

• Example

  She was startled by the sudden movement.

• Example

  The sudden appearance of the snake startled the hikers.

• Example

  The unexpected news startled everyone in the room.

startle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for startle

• surprise
• shock
• frighten
• alarm
• astonish

Antonyms for startle

• calm
• soothe

Idioms Using startle

• startled out of one's wits

  to be extremely frightened or shocked

  Example

  The loud explosion startled me out of my wits.

• startled to death

  to be so frightened or shocked that it causes death

  Example

  The old man was startled to death by the sudden noise.

• startled by one's own shadow

  to be easily frightened or scared

  Example

  She is so nervous that she gets startled by her own shadow.

Phrases with startle

• startled awake

  to wake up suddenly and with a jolt, usually due to a loud noise or sudden movement

  Example

  I was startled awake by the sound of thunder.

• startled expression

  a facial expression that shows surprise or shock

  Example

  She had a startled expression on her face when she saw the surprise party.

• startled look

  a facial expression that shows surprise or shock

  Example

  He had a startled look on his face when he heard the news.

Origins of startle

from Middle English 'stertlen', meaning 'to leap up'

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Summary: startle in Brief

'Startle' [ˈstɑːtl] means to cause sudden shock or alarm, or to move or jump suddenly as a result of a sudden shock or surprise. It can be used in phrases like 'startled awake' and 'startled expression,' and idioms like 'startled out of one's wits,' which means to be extremely frightened or shocked.