Startle: meaning, definitions and examples

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startle

[ ˈstɑːrt(ə)l ]

^{Context #1}

sudden reaction

To cause someone to feel sudden shock or alarm, often making them jump or shout.

Synonyms

alarm, frighten, shock, surprise

Examples of usage

He was startled by the loud noise.
The unexpected bang startled the cat.
She was startled to see her ex-boyfriend at the party.

^{Context #2}

feeling

A sudden feeling of shock or alarm.

Synonyms

alarm, fright, shock, surprise

Examples of usage

She felt a startle when the door slammed.
His sudden appearance gave her a startle.

Translations

Translations of the word "startle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobressaltar

🇮🇳 चौंका देना

🇩🇪 erschrecken

🇮🇩 mengejutkan

🇺🇦 налякати

🇵🇱 zaskoczyć

🇯🇵 驚かせる (odorokaseru)

🇫🇷 effrayer

🇪🇸 asustar

🇹🇷 korkutmak

🇰🇷 놀라게 하다 (nollage hada)

🇸🇦 أرعب

🇨🇿 vyděsit

🇸🇰 vystrašiť

🇨🇳 惊吓 (jīngxià)

🇸🇮 prestrašiti

🇮🇸 hræða

🇰🇿 шошыту

🇬🇪 შეშინება

🇦🇿 qorxutmaq

🇲🇽 asustar

Word origin

The word 'startle' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Middle Low German word 'starlen', meaning 'quicken'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the English language, focusing on the sudden shock or alarm reaction. The concept of being startled has been a common human experience throughout history, often linked to survival instincts and the body's fight-or-flight response.

See also: restart, startable, starter, starting, startled, upstart.