verb / noun
startle
STAR-tl/ˈstɑːrtl/
A sudden reaction of surprise or alarm, or causing such a reaction.
The bursting balloon startles the man, making him jerk backward.
Etymology
The jumping root and repeated-action suffix originally described agitated movement or leaping. The meaning shifted to moving suddenly in fear, then to causing someone else to make that frightened jump.
In context
unexpectedly and give me a startling surprise. She delights in startling me," he added with a laugh. Poor fellow, I thought, she would never again be able to startle him.
More examples
- She startles easily when she is deep in thought.
- Your knock startled me, but I'm glad you're here.
- The baby's startle reflex makes his arms jerk outward.
Forms
startle · startles · startled · startling
startling adjective — Causing a sudden feeling of surprise or alarm.