Startle — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈstär-tᵊl/ star·tle

Meaning & Definition of Startle

Startle (verb)

  1. to move or jump suddenly (as in surprise or alarm)
  2. to frighten or surprise suddenly and usually not seriously

Startle (noun)

  1. a sudden mild shock (as of surprise or alarm)

Startle (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected

    "the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover"

    similar: amaze, astonish, astound, bowl over, dumbfound, flabbergast, floor, rock, shock, stun, stupefy, surprise, thunderstrike, knock for a loop, take aback, take by surprise
    related: befuddle, bewilder, blindside, blow away, confound, confuse, daze, discomfit, disconcert, dismay, jar, muddle, nonplus, perplex, shake up

  2. to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise)

    "the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang"

    similar: bolt, jump, start
    related: jerk, jolt, twitch, blench, cringe, flinch, quail, recoil, shrink, spook, squinch, wince, bound, leap, spring, react, respond

  3. to strike with fear

    "loud noises always startle her"

    similar: affright, alarm, fright, frighten, horrify, panic, scare, scarify, shock, spook, terrify, terrorize, give one the creeps, make one's flesh creep
    related: appall, bowl over, dismay, floor, jolt, shake, shake up, amaze, astound, awe, chill, daunt, demoralize, dispirit, emasculate, psych (out), undo, unman, unnerve, unstring, discomfort, discompose, disconcert, disquiet, distract, distress, disturb, perturb, unsettle, upset, worry
    opposite: reassure
    near: assure, cheer, comfort, console, solace, soothe, embolden, encourage, hearten, inspire, steel

Startle (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in surprise, astonishment

    similar: amazement, astonishment, shock, startlement, stupefaction, surprise, bewilderment, confusion, consternation, discomfiture, dismay, awe, wonder, wonderment

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Startle

The most common words with a similar meaning to Startle:

amaze, astonish, astound, bowl over, dumbfound, flabbergast, floor, rock, shock, stun, stupefy, surprise, thunderstrike, bolt, jump, start, affright, alarm, fright, frighten, horrify, panic, scare, scarify, spook, terrify, terrorize, knock for a loop, take aback, take by surprise, give one the creeps, make one's flesh creep, amazement, astonishment, startlement, stupefaction, bewilderment, confusion, consternation, discomfiture

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Startle

Words with the opposite meaning of Startle:

reassure

Related Words for Startle

befuddle, bewilder, blindside, blow away, confound, confuse, daze, discomfit, disconcert, jar, muddle, nonplus, perplex, shake up, jerk, jolt, twitch, blench, cringe, flinch, quail, recoil, shrink, squinch, wince, bound, leap, spring, react, respond

Near Antonyms of Startle

assure, cheer, comfort, console, solace, soothe, embolden, encourage, hearten, inspire, steel

Word Forms of Startle

Inflections: startled, startling

Derived words: startlement (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Startle

Middle English stertlen, frequentative of sterten to start

First known use: 1530i

Frequently Asked Questions about Startle

What does "Startle" mean?

"Startle" means to move or jump suddenly (as in surprise or alarm). As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to move or jump suddenly (as in surprise or alarm). It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Startle"?

Other words for "Startle" include amaze, astonish, astound, bowl over, dumbfound, flabbergast, floor and rock. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Startle" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Startle"?

There are 96 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Startle". Common alternatives include amaze, astonish, astound, bowl over, dumbfound, flabbergast, floor, rock, shock and stun.

What is the opposite of "Startle"?

Antonyms of "Startle" include reassure. Near antonyms include assure, cheer, comfort and console.

How do you use "Startle" in a sentence?

Examples of "Startle" in a sentence: "the lightning startled the children and sent them scurrying for cover"; "the cat startled when the door slammed shut with a bang"; "loud noises always startle her".

Is "Startle" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Startle" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Startle"?

"Startle" is pronounced /ˈstär-tᵊl/ and divided into syllables as star·tle.

What is the origin of the word "Startle"?

"Startle" comes from Middle English stertlen, frequentative of sterten to start. First known use: 1530i.