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Synonyms & Similar Words
Meaning of Startle
to suddenley frighten or surprise someone
Definitions
- To shock or surprise someone so much that they react quickly, often with a sudden movement
- * To cause someone to feel sudden fear or surprise
Etymology of Startle
The word "startle" originated in the mid-16th century, derived from the Old English words "stertain" (to sudden, to surprise) and "le" (a suffix forming verbs), with possible influence from the Middle English word "stert" (to sudden, to jump)
Historically, the word has been used to describe a sudden, often frightening or surprising event that causes someone to react quickly
Example Uses
- The loud bang startles the cat, causing it to jump off the table
- * The surprise party will startle the birthday girl, but she'll be happy to see her friends
- * The news of the accident startles the community, prompting an outpouring of support for the victims