startle

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈstɑrt.l̩d/
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈstɑːt.l̩d/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form startle

Third-person singular startles

Past tense startled

Past participle startled

Present participle startling

1. (transitive & intransitive) If you are startled, you jump or move suddenly, often opening your eyes wide, because of a surprise.
   • Synonym: surprise

   She thought she was alone, but was startled to hear someone behind her..

Noun

Singular startle

Plural startles

1. A startle is a surprise or a fright.

   The birthday boy had a startle when we screamed "Happy birthday" from behind him.