startle — to surprise someone suddenly, causing them to jump or feel shocked
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to surprise someone suddenly, causing them to jump or feel shocked
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈstɑːrtl/
Korean meaning: 갑자기 놀라게 하다, 깜짝 놀라다
Korean pronunciation: **스타**틀
Example Sentences
- The cat was so startled by the cucumber that it jumped three feet in the air.
- I was startled to find my boss hiding behind my desk on April Fool's Day.
- The unexpected phone call startled her out of her deep concentration.
startle
VERB//ˈstɑːrtl//
to surprise someone suddenly, causing them to jump or feel shocked
The loud toaster startles the woman during breakfast preparation
The rattle sound makes the cattle startle and scatter!
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'startlen', derived from Old English 'steartlian' meaning to stumble or fall. The word is likely related to Old Norse 'stirra' meaning to move quickly or turn, combined with the frequentative suffix '-le', creating a verb meaning to move suddenly or jerk.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cat was so startled by the cucumber that it jumped three feet in the air.”
“I was startled to find my boss hiding behind my desk on April Fool's Day.”
“The unexpected phone call startled her out of her deep concentration.”
“Don't startle the baby while she's sleeping.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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