Startle Reaction (Noun)
Meaning
A complicated involuntary reaction to a sudden unexpected stimulus (especially a loud noise); involves flexion of most skeletal muscles and a variety of visceral reactions.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The sudden bang of the firework triggered a startle reaction in the child, causing her to jump and cover her ears.
- A loud crash in the kitchen elicited a startle reaction from the homeowner, who instinctively ducked for cover.
- The sudden screech of the car's tires caused a startle reaction in the passenger, who grasped the armrests tightly.
- A sudden, intense startle reaction overcame the hiker when a snake slithered out from under a nearby rock.
- The patient's startle reaction to the loud noise was so intense that it caused her to knock over her water glass.