Startle meaning

What does “startle” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“startle” is a noun and verb with 3 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a sudden involuntary movement.

startle

noun

  1. a sudden involuntary movement

    “he awoke with a start”

    Synonymsjumpstart

verb

  1. to stimulate to action

    “the loud noise startled him awake”

    “galvanized into action”

  2. move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm

    “She startled when I walked into the room”

    Synonymsjumpstart

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University