give a start
phrase
: to move suddenly and quickly from surprise or fright : to jump
She gave a start when he tapped her on the shoulder.
Cite this Entry
“Give a start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20a%20start. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
