Startlement — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈstär-tᵊl/ star·tle

Meaning & Definition of Startlement

Startlement (verb)

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

Startlement (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual

    "the look of startlement in her eyes when she found herself at the wedding seated next to her ex-boyfriend"

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

Related Entry: Startle (verb)

Startle is a different word from Startlement. The synonyms below are for startle, not for startlement.

  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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Startlement

The most common words with a similar meaning to Startlement:

amazement, astonishment, shock, stupefaction, surprise

Related Words for Startlement

awe, wonder, wonderment, startle, bewilderment, confusion, consternation, discomfiture, dismay

Word Forms of Startlement

Inflections: startled, startling

Derived words: startlement (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Startlement

Middle English stertlen, frequentative of sterten to start

First known use: 1530i

Frequently Asked Questions about Startlement

What does "Startlement" mean?

"Startlement" 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).

What is another word for "Startlement"?

Other words for "Startlement" include amazement, astonishment, shock, stupefaction and surprise. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Startlement" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Startlement"?

There are 14 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Startlement". Common alternatives include amazement, astonishment, shock, stupefaction and surprise.

How do you use "Startlement" in a sentence?

Examples of "Startlement" in a sentence: "the look of startlement in her eyes when she found herself at the wedding seated next to her ex-boyfriend".

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

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

How do you pronounce "Startlement"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Startlement"?

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

What is another word for "Startlement" meaning "the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual"?

When "Startlement" (noun) means the state of being strongly impressed by something unexpected or unusual, synonyms include amazement, astonishment, shock, stupefaction and surprise.