startle

verb
UK: /ˈstɑːtl/
US: /ˈstɑːrtl/

  1. To cause a person or animal to feel sudden shock or alarm.

    1. The loud noise did startle the cat.
    2. A sudden movement nearby did startle her awake from her nap.

  2. To jump or flinch suddenly as a result of surprise or alarm.

    1. He did startle when someone knocked loudly.
    2. I startle easily when people sneak up behind me in the office.

Synonyms

shock alarm jump surprise frighten
startle noun

  1. A sudden shock or surprise.

    1. The bang gave me a startle.
    2. She awoke with a startle at the sound of the alarm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "startle" in English means: To cause a person or animal to feel sudden shock or alarm., To jump or flinch suddenly as a result of surprise or alarm..

The phonetic transcription of "startle" is /ˈstɑːtl/ in British English and /ˈstɑːrtl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "startle": shock, alarm, jump, surprise, frighten.

Example usage of "startle": "The loud noise did startle the cat.". More examples on the page.