The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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startle

verb

/ˈstɑr tl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of startle

To surprise or startle someone or something, typically causing a sudden and often involuntary reaction.
"Fireworks may startle animals, so it's better to keep them indoors during such events."

Detailed meaning of startle

It involves abruptly interrupting or disturbing a person's or an animal's state of calm, composure, or concentration, eliciting a startled response such as a jump, a gasp, or a quick movement. This reaction is often triggered by a sudden loud noise, a sudden unexpected event, or an unforeseen action that catches the individual or the creature off guard. The purpose of startling is to momentarily disrupt the individual's or the animal's focus, drawing their immediate attention to the surprising stimulus, and often resulting in a brief period of heightened alertness or increased vigilance.

Example sentences containing startle

1. Dogs that bark loudly startle me every time I pass by that house.
2. Please don't startle the baby, she just fell asleep.
3. Loud noises in the movie theater startle me, even if I'm expecting them.
4. Suddenly turning on the light can startle your eyes and cause discomfort.
5. Sometimes, a sudden call in the middle of the night can startle me awake.
6. Be careful not to startle the birds as you approach the feeder.

History and etymology of startle

The verb 'startle' finds its origins in Old English and Middle English. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'styrtlian,' which meant to jump up or move suddenly. This sense of sudden movement or reaction evolved over time, eventually giving rise to the modern meaning of 'startle,' which is to surprise or shock someone or something, often leading to a sudden and involuntary reaction. The word's etymology reflects the fundamental human experience of being caught off guard or suddenly alarmed, making it an integral part of our language's expressive arsenal.

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Further usage examples of startle

1. Unexpected sounds in a silent room will startle anyone.
2. Try not to startle her with the bad news; she's had a tough day already.
3. Loud car horns startle me whenever I'm driving in heavy traffic.
4. Does the ringtone of your phone startle you as well?
5. In the middle of a horror movie, unexpected jump-scares startle even the bravest souls.
6. The clap of thunder did startle me in the quiet night.
7. Did that lightning flash startle you too?
8. Pop-up ads on the internet can startle people, especially when they are focused on something.
9. Abrupt temperature changes can startle the human body.
10. Walking up behind someone can often startle them if they're not aware.
11. Be careful not to startle the cat, or she might run away.
12. Loud alarms are designed to startle and alert people to danger.
13. The sudden burst of the balloon did startle everyone in the room.
14. The sudden loud noise did startle the sleeping cat.
15. The unexpected thunderclap made him startle in his chair.
16. Her sudden appearance from behind the door never failed to startle me.
17. The horror movie scene managed to startle the entire audience.
18. A sudden tap on the shoulder can easily startle anyone.
19. The car's horn honked loudly, causing pedestrians to startle.
20. A sudden gust of wind can startle the birds into flight.
21. The unexpected news did startle him, leaving him speechless.
22. I tried not to startle her as I entered the quiet room.
23. The surprise party successfully managed to startle the birthday girl.
24. The unexpected twist in the story will surely startle the readers.