Startle (Verb)
Meaning 1
To stimulate to action; "the loud noise startled him awake"; "galvanized into action".
Classification
Verbs of feeling.
Examples
- The sudden crash of thunder startled her into alertness during the stormy night.
- A loud clap of hands startled the performers into action as the show began.
- Her discovery of the money galvanized her husband, startling him out of unemployment to find lucrative work.
- The terrible news from overseas startled the entire nation into patriotic action.
- A piercing scream from the victim startled the witnesses into assisting her immediately.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm; "She startled when I walked into the room".
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- The sudden noise from the TV made me startle and knock over my cup of coffee.
- She startled when I walked into the room and didn't see me standing there.
- The loud bang outside made the horse startle and take off running wildly.
- He startled at the sight of the snake slithering across his path.
- When she opened her eyes and saw the clown standing in front of her, she startled and let out a scream.