startle
UK: ˈstɑː.tl̩ | US: ˈstɑːr.tl̩
vt. to cause someone to feel sudden shock or alarm
vi. to react suddenly with fear or surprise
n. a sudden shock or surprise
startle = start<to jump or move suddenly> + le<frequentative verb suffix>
- start (from Old English styrtan, meaning "to leap up or jump")
- le (a Middle English suffix indicating repeated or frequent action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "startle" originated in Middle English as startlen, derived from Old English styrtan ("to leap up") combined with the frequentative suffix -le. This reflects the idea of a sudden, jerky movement—like jumping in surprise. Over time, it evolved to emphasize the emotional reaction (fear/shock) rather than just the physical motion.
The loud noise startled the sleeping cat.
She startled when the door slammed shut.
His sudden appearance gave me a startle.
The fireworks startled the birds into flight.
Try not to startle the baby with loud sounds.