Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
startle

star·tle

startle

 
 
pronunciation:
star tl
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: startles, startling, startled
definition 1: to cause to move suddenly or involuntarily.
synonyms:
jolt
similar words:
agitate, frighten, jar, shake
definition 2: to alarm unexpectedly; surprise.
synonyms:
alarm, scare, shock, surprise
similar words:
agitate, astonish, disconcert, disturb, faze, fluster, frighten, jar, jolt, ruffle, shake, stun, unnerve, unsettle, upset
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to become surprised or alarmed.
synonyms:
jump, scare
similar words:
flinch, fluster, freak, quail, recoil, ruffle, shy, start, unsettle
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: noun
definition: a sudden start or mild shock.
I gave her a startle when I slammed the door.
synonyms:
jolt, start
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: startlingly (adv.)
Word Explorer
See
  fear