Advertisement
Advertisement
startle
[ stahr-tl ]
verb (used with object)
- to disturb or agitate suddenly as by surprise or alarm.
- to cause to start involuntarily, by or as by a sudden shock.
verb (used without object)
- to start involuntarily, as from a shock of surprise or alarm.
noun
- a sudden shock of surprise, alarm, or the like.
- something that startles.
startle
/ ˈstɑːtəl /
verb
- to be or cause to be surprised or frightened, esp so as to start involuntarily
Derived Forms
- ˈstartler, noun
Other Words From
- star·tle·ment noun
- star·tler noun
- out·star·tle verb (used with object) outstartled outstartling
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of startle1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
Previously, scientists have reported that hexadecanal reduces stress in mice, while other research has shown that humans release the compound in our feces, skin, and breath, and that it might affect our startle response.
Not only is this comfortable for your little one, but it suppresses their startle reflexes which encourages them to sleep longer and keeps them warm without the use of loose blankets, which can be dangerous.
They startle viewers, rouse viewers, occasionally put off and occasionally turn on viewers.
The group acknowledged that the tactic “was meant to startle people.”
The French women certainly talk with a freedom which would startle an English or American female.
The striking originality of this idea will startle any one who has never heard of such a thing before.
"You oughtn't to slip up an' s-startle a lady that-a-way," she said with grave rebuke, and Hale looked humbled.
While the Constitution lasts, they are repressed; they spring up to annoy and startle us only from its grave.
But Merriwell feared to startle the old man, and therefore he did not call.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse