Words / B2

STAHTL/ˈstɑːtl/

To startle is to surprise someone suddenly, often so they jump: a startle response; startle the audience. Surprise is wider and can be pleasant; shock is stronger. A startle response featured in psychology. Mix-up: start is to begin (already in the dictionary); stare is to look hard. Do not write startle for “start the lesson”.

Meaning

To surprise someone suddenly, often so that they jump.

Examples

• “A startle response featured in the psychology practical, not a long-term trait.”
• “The alarm startled invigilators, which is the sudden-surprise sense.”

Good to know

startle + person; a startle response. Wider: surprise. Trap: start / stare. Psychology and narrative. Sudden jump-scare, not “begin”.

Near in meaning

surprise

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