Main Entry:

¹star·tle

Pronunciation:

\ˈstär-t^əl\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

star·tled; star·tling \ˈstärt-liŋ, ˈstär-t^əl-iŋ\

Etymology:

Middle English stertlen, frequentative of sterten to start

Date:

1530

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