startle 1 of 2

verb

Definition of startlenext
1
as in to amaze
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover

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2
as in to jump
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise) the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang

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3
as in to frighten
to strike with fear loud noises always startle her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

startle

2 of 2

noun

as in shock

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Thesaurus Entries Near startle

starting

startle

startled

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“Startle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/startle. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

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More from Merriam-Webster on startle

Nglish: Translation of startle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of startle for Arabic Speakers

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