startle

verb

star·tle | \ ˈstär-tᵊl

startled; startling\ ˈstärt-liŋ

, ˈstär-tᵊl-iŋ \

Definition of startle

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

startle

noun

Definition of startle (Entry 2 of 2)

: a sudden mild shock (as of surprise or alarm)

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Examples of startle in a Sentence

Verb

I'm sorry that I startled you. the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The employee at the drive-thruwas startled by the horse and asked the family to come inside to place an order, said a Starbucks spokesperson. — Lauren Castle, azcentral, "Arizona teen, horse refused service at Starbucks drive-thru get second chance," 7 Mar. 2018 As presented in chamber orchestra guise, this late Haydn masterpiece sounded uncommonly fresh, so vividly did the conductor rethink rhythms, harmonies and gestures that would have startled audiences of Haydn’s day. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Avi Avital's brilliant debut highlights lively, engaging CSO program," 8 June 2018 Check out the 9-inch-wide by 6-inch-high bright yellow Chicken 3-Ring Binder Pouch, which has startled white and blue button eyes and loops of red zipper fabric added on for a comb and wattle. — Judi Dash, Philly.com, "Gadget Guru: Zipit Wacky Creatures Bags and Pouches," 3 Apr. 2018 The Cambridge Analytica controversy has led people to review their Facebook settings, and many have been startled to discover the sheer volume of third-party apps that have access to aspects of their account and personal information. — Chris Welch, The Verge, "Tim Cook wants ‘well-crafted’ privacy regulations after latest Facebook scandal," 24 Mar. 2018 The aim is to enable crews to react more quickly and confidently when startled. — Robert Wall, WSJ, "Man Vs. Machine at 40,000 Feet," 6 Jan. 2019 The man’s actions between eruptions startled a crowd of a couple hundred people at the park’s most famous attraction. — Mead Gruver, The Seattle Times, "Man who walked near boiling-hot Old Faithful geyser ticketed," 17 Sep. 2018 The deconstruction of language is breathtaking, the interrogation of symbols startling. — Constance Grady, Vox, "The Alice Walker anti-Semitism controversy, explained," 20 Dec. 2018 As startling is the fact that a compromise on immigration was at hand this past June that included $23.4 billion for border security, including the wall. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Oval Office Pantomime," 11 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

By the early '90s, psychiatrists treating urban residents were diagnosing sleep disorders, extreme startle responses, flashbacks, lost hope for the future, homelessness, alcoholism, suicide and even biochemical changes in the brain. — John Schmid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "With PTSD reaching well beyond combat vets, trauma experts see need for 'healing spaces'," 18 May 2018 And by reducing wild startles, swaddling reduces night wakings. — Anya Leon, PEOPLE.com, "5 Tips to Help Your Baby Be a Great Sleeper from Dr. Harvey Karp, Founder of Happiest Baby," 27 Feb. 2018 Who hasn't giggled, eliciting that startle in someone else? — Maria Shine Stewart, cleveland.com, "Neighbors can help in times of fun and of fear: Sun Messages," 28 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'startle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.