startle
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
startles;
startled;
startling
startles;
startled;
startling
Britannica Dictionary definition of STARTLE
1
[+ object]
:
to surprise or frighten (someone) suddenly and usually not seriously
— often used as (be) startled
-
The noise startled me.
-
I'm sorry that I startled you.
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I was startled by the noise.
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He was startled to discover he knew the answer.
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She was startled into wakefulness by a loud noise.
2
[no object]
:
to move or jump suddenly because something surprises you or frightens you
-
The cat startles easily.
