First Known Use: 1530
Dictionary
1startle
verb star·tle \ˈstär-təl\
: to surprise or frighten (someone) suddenly and usually not seriously
: to move or jump suddenly because something surprises you or frightens you
star·tledstar·tling \ˈstärt-liŋ, ˈstär-təl-iŋ\
Full Definition of STARTLE
intransitive verb
: to move or jump suddenly (as in surprise or alarm) <the baby startles easily>
transitive verb
: to frighten or surprise suddenly and usually not seriously
— star·tle·ment \-mənt\ noun
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Origin of STARTLE
Middle English stertlen, frequentative of sterten to start
2startle
noun
Definition of STARTLE
: a sudden mild shock (as of surprise or alarm)
First Known Use of STARTLE
1714
STARTLED Defined for Kids
startle
verb star·tle \ˈstär-təl\
star·tledstar·tling
Definition of STARTLE for Kids
1
: to move or jump (as in surprise or fear) <The cat startles easily.>
2
: to frighten suddenly but slightly <A knock on the window startled her.>
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