Definition/Meaning of startle

• English - Verb: startle ( third-person singular simple present startles , present participle startling , simple past and past participle startled ) ( intransitive ) To move suddenly , or be excited , on feeling alarm; to start . a horse that startles easily Joseph Addison (1672-1719) Why shrinks the soul / Back on herself , and startles at destruction? ( transitive ) To excite by sudden alarm , surprise , or…
• English - Noun: startle ( plural startles ) A sudden motion or shock caused by an unexpected alarm , surprise , or apprehension of danger . Derived terms startler startlish Translations
• English - Etymology: From Middle English startlen , stertlen , stertyllen ( “ to rush , stumble along ” ), from Old English steartlian ( “ to kick with the foot , struggle , stumble ” ), equivalent to start +‎ -le . Cognate with Old Norse stirtla ( “ to hobble , stagger ” ), Icelandic stirtla ( “ to straighten up , erect ” ). Compare also Middle English stertil ( “ hasty ” ). More at start .
• English - Pronunciation: ( UK ) IPA (key) : /ˈstɑːt.(ə)l/ ( US ) IPA (key) : /ˈstɑɹt.(ə)l/ Rhymes: -ɑː(ɹ)təl
• English - See also: skittish