startle
gb/stˈɑɹtəl/ us/stˈɑɹtəl/
B1
English
~ 1500
megijeszt, összerezzen
VERB
B1
1
megijeszt
A2
Usage pattern:
to startle [someone]
The loud bang startled the sleeping cat.
A hangos csattanás megijesztette az alvó macskát.
She was startled by his sudden appearance at the door.
Megijesztette, hogy a férfi váratlanul megjelent az ajtóban.
The unexpected question startled him during the interview.
A sudden flash of lightning startled the hikers.
He startled me when he spoke from behind.
Learner examples
The dog was startled by the noise.
A kutya megijedt a zajtól.
I was startled when the phone rang.
Megijedtem, amikor megszólalt a telefon.
She startled me when she shouted.
The baby was startled by the loud music.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'startle' with 'scare'. 'Startle' refers to a quick, sudden reaction, not a long-lasting fear.
Meaning
Cause sudden fear or surprise
Collocations
startle easily
|startle awake
|startle someone
|startle response
|startle reflex
Synonyms
alarm (Stronger and more urgent, often suggesting danger.)
|
frighten (More general and can refer to longer-lasting fear.)
Antonyms
reassure (Gives comfort instead of causing fear or shock.)
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make someone feel sudden fear or surprise for a short time.
To cause someone to feel a sudden, brief shock of fear or surprise, often making them move suddenly.
VERB
B2
2
összerezzen
B2
Usage pattern:
to startle at [something]
She startled at the sound of the door slamming.
Összerezzent az ajtócsapódás hangjára.
He startled when the shadow passed by the window.
Összerezzent, amikor az árnyék elsuhant az ablak előtt.
The deer startled and ran into the woods.
Learner examples
I startled when I heard a loud bang.
Összerezzentem, amikor hangos csattanást hallottam.
She startled at the sudden shout.
Összerezzent a hirtelen kiáltásra.
The horse startled when it saw the snake.
Common mistake:
Learners may mistake this reflexive reaction meaning for the causative one; here, the subject is the one reacting, not causing it.
Meaning
React suddenly to surprise or fear
Collocations
startle at a sound
|startle in shock
Synonyms
flinch (Usually implies pulling back slightly in fear or pain.)
|
jump (Colloquial for making a quick movement when surprised.)
Antonyms
remain calm (Stay still and unaffected despite surprise.)
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To move quickly because you are surprised or afraid.
To make a sudden movement or reaction because of being surprised or frightened.
Grammar
Dictionary form
startle
IPA
GB/stˈɑɹtəl/
US/stˈɑɹtəl/
Syllables & stress
startle (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (startle)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: startle
- 3rd Person Singular: startles
- Present Participle: startling
- Past: startled
Word family
Forms
Related words
startlingly
adverb C1
Expressions
startle response
1/stˈɑɹtəl ɹɪspˈɑns/
fixed phrase
technical
Immediate reaction to surprise event
The way a person or animal reacts right away when something surprising happens.
Examples
- Her startle response was strong after the crash.
- The startle response is common in newborns.
startle reflex
1/stˈɑɹtəl ɹˈiflɛks/
fixed phrase
automatic jumpy response to sudden stimulus
A quick body reaction, like jumping or blinking, when you suddenly hear a loud sound or see something surprising.
Examples
- Newborns have a strong startle reflex when they hear loud noises.
- His startle reflex made him spill his drink when the balloon popped.
startle reflex
2/stˈɑɹtəl ɹˈiflɛks/
fixed phrase
technical
Automatic reaction to sudden stimulus
A quick body movement that happens without thinking when you hear a loud sound or see something sudden.
Examples
- The doctor tested the baby's startle reflex by clapping hands.
- A loud noise can trigger your startle reflex.