- A sudden motion or shock caused by an unexpected alarm,
surprise, or apprehension of danger.
2 . Startle
[ v. t.]
- To move suddenly, or be excited, on feeling alarm; to
start. - To excite by sudden alarm, surprise, or apprehension;
to frighten suddenly and not seriously; to alarm; to surprise. - To deter; to cause to deviate.
Meaning of 'startle' (Princeton's WordNet)
1 . startle
[ n]
Meaning (1): - a sudden involuntary movement
Example in sentence:
he awoke with a start
2 . startle
[ v]
Meaning (2): - to stimulate to action
Example in sentence:
galvanized into action;
the loud noise startled him awake
Meaning (3): - move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm