verb

startle

to startle, to surprise, to frighten

The loud noise startled the baby.

The loud noise startled the baby.

I didn't mean to startle you.

I didn't mean to startle you.

((sb.)) to surprise or shock (sb.) suddenly The loud noise startled the baby.

Synonyms: surprise, frighten, shock, alarm

From Middle English 'stertlen,' meaning to rush or leap. Related to the word 'start'.

Imagine you 'start' to move suddenly because you were startled. It causes a sudden movement.

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