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Verb: startle  staa(r)-t(u)l
  1. To stimulate to action
    "the loud noise startled him awake";
    - galvanize, galvanise [Brit]
     
  2. Move suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm
    "She startled when I walked into the room";
    - jump, start
Noun: startle  staa(r)-t(u)l
  1. A sudden involuntary movement
    "he awoke with a startle";
    - jump, start

Derived forms: startled, startles, startling

Type of: ball over, blow out of the water, floor, inborn reflex, innate reflex, instinctive reflex, move, physiological reaction, reflex, reflex action, reflex response, shock, take aback, unconditioned reflex

Encyclopedia: Startle