startle

/ˈstɑːt(ə)l//ˈstɑɹt(ə)l/

noun

  1. 1

    A sudden motion or shock caused by an unexpected alarm, surprise, or apprehension of danger.

verb

  1. 1

    To move suddenly, or be excited, on feeling alarm; to start.

    “a horse that startles easily”
  2. 2

    To excite by sudden alarm, surprise, or apprehension; to frighten suddenly and not seriously; to alarm; to surprise.

  3. 3

    To deter; to cause to deviate.

Synonyms

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