Definition Definition

startle - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'startle' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Startle [ n.]
- 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
Example in sentence:
  • She startled when I walked into the room