Definitions

1. verb

to cause a sudden feeling of surprise or fear, often accompanied by a physical reaction

“The loud noise startled the baby and caused her to cry.”

2. verb

to surprise or shock someone suddenly, often causing a physical reaction

“The news startled the politician and he stumbled over his words.”

3. noun

a sudden feeling of surprise or fear, often accompanied by a physical reaction

“The startling noise woke me up in the middle of the night.”