# startle

/ˈstɑɹtəɫ/ (US) · /stˈɑːtəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/startle
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

to surprise someone suddenly, often making them jump or feel a little bit scared for a moment.

For teachers: to cause a sudden shock or alarm, typically resulting in an involuntary physical movement. Often used in the passive voice to describe a person's reaction to an unexpected stimulus.

## Examples

- The loud noise from the street startles the sleeping cat.
- I did not mean to startle you when I walked into the room so quietly.
- The sudden flash of lightning was enough to startle the horses, causing them to bolt across the open field before the riders could react.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; frequently appears in the passive form 'to be startled by'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.