startle Definition

startle
verb startled, startling

tr & intr
1. To be or cause someone or something to be slightly shocked or surprised, often with an attendant jump or twitch.
2. To dismay or astonish.

Example: I was startled by the news of her death
Thesaurus: frighten, surprise, alarm, shock, astonish, astound, amaze, agitate; Antonym: soothe, reassure.

noun

1. A slight shock or surprise.

Derivative: startler
noun

Derivative: startled
adj

Derivative: startling
noun

Astonishing or shocking
Thesaurus: unexpected, sudden, unforeseen, dramatic, alarming, jolting, staggering, electrifying.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon steartlian to stumble or struggle.