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startle

star·tle

startle

 
 
pronunciation:
star tl
features:
Word Explorer
part of speech: verb
inflections: startles, startling, startled
definition 1: to cause to move suddenly.
The bolt of thunder startled me out of bed.
synonyms:
jolt
similar words:
agitate, frighten, jar, shake
definition 2: to alarm suddenly; surprise.
The cat startled me when she jumped up on my lap.
synonyms:
alarm, scare, shock, surprise
similar words:
agitate, astonish, disturb, fluster, frighten, jar, jolt, ruffle, shake, stun, upset
definition 3: to become surprised or scared.
My mother startles easily if I sneak up on her quietly.
synonyms:
jump, scare
similar words:
flinch, fluster, ruffle, shy, start
derivation: startlingly (adv.)
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