startle
STAR-tuhl
/ˈstɑː.təl/
To cause a person or animal to feel a sudden shock or alarm, often making them jump physically.
Emphasizes a sudden, brief physical twitch or jump caused by an unexpected sound, movement, or sight.
The story behind the word. Derived from Old English 'sterten' (to spring up or rush). The '-le' suffix made it frequentative, originally meaning to leap about frantically like a frightened animal.
Word relationships
- frighten: 'Frighten' implies lasting fear; 'startle' implies a quick, immediate reflex spike.
- soothe: To calm and quiet someone down peacefully.
- pacify: To bring tranquility and eliminate sudden disturbance.
Commonly confused with
- scare: 'Scare' involves fear; 'startle' involves a quick physical jump regardless of whether real fear is felt.
Word family
- startling (adjective): Very surprising, astonishing, or alarming.
- startlingly (adverb): In a startling manner.
Collocations
- startle easily
- startle someone awake
- startle a flock of birds
Idioms & expressions
- startle out of one's senses
Example sentences
- "The sudden slamming of the heavy wooden door managed to startle the sleeping cat." Everyday Life
Memory hook
To STARTLE makes you START jumping up suddenly. A sudden jump at a sharp noise.
When not to use
Do not use for deep, life-changing revelations; it applies best to immediate, sharp, brief frights.
Fun facts
- In biological psychology, the 'startle reflex' is a universal protective response hardwired into human brainstems.
Related words
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