startle
gb/stˈɑɹtəl/ us/stˈɑɹtəl/
B1
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Cause sudden fear or surprise
To make someone feel sudden fear or surprise for a short time.
Usage pattern:
to startle [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'startle' with 'scare'. 'Startle' refers to a quick, sudden reaction, not a long-lasting fear.
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.)
Collocations
startle easily
|startle awake
|startle someone
|startle response
|startle reflex
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The loud bang startled the sleeping cat.
- She was startled by his sudden appearance at the door.
- 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.
- I was startled when the phone rang.
- She startled me when she shouted.
- The baby was startled by the loud music.
Verb
B2
action
2
React suddenly to surprise or fear
To move quickly because you are surprised or afraid.
Usage pattern:
to startle at [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may mistake this reflexive reaction meaning for the causative one; here, the subject is the one reacting, not causing it.
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.)
Collocations
startle at a sound
|startle in shock
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She startled at the sound of the door slamming.
- He startled when the shadow passed by the window.
- The deer startled and ran into the woods.
Learner examples
- I startled when I heard a loud bang.
- She startled at the sudden shout.
- The horse startled when it saw the snake.
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.