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