startle

Meanings

• Verb

  To cause (a person or animal) to be startled or shocked, especially suddenly.

  - "The loud noise startled the deer."
  - "The unexpected question startled the interviewee."

• Verb

  To cause (something) to move suddenly or violently.

  - "The earthquake startled the buildings."
  - "The wave startled the boat."

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Pronunciation

1. /ˈstɑːt(ə)l/
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=88671709"

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Synonyms

deter , alarm , frighten , scare , surprise , start

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with startle
harris , parris , marshalls

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Variants

List of all variants of startle that leads to same result
startle , startled , startlement , startlements , startles , startling

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Forms

Different forms of the word (e.g., verb conjugations, plural forms, comparative/superlative forms for adjectives).

startles, startled, startling

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

Originally meant 'to leap forward' or 'to leap up'. From Old English sterlan, stertlan, meaning 'to leap, spring, jump'.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The word 'startle' comes from the Old English word 'sterlan', which means 'to leap, spring, or jump'.

2. Startle is an antonym of the word 'bore'.

3. In psychology, the startle reflex is a rapid, automatic contraction of muscles in response to a sudden stimulus, such as a loud noise.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Surprise: Startle is closely related to the concept of surprise, as both involve unexpected events or discoveries.

2. Fear: Startle can also be associated with fear, as a sudden, unexpected event can be frightening.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature, 'startle' is often used to describe a sudden realization or discovery, as in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, where the character Nick Carraway is startled by the revelation of Jay Gatsby's past.

How to Memorize "startle"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a person or animal being suddenly shocked or surprised.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word with the feeling of being startled or surprised.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Use the mnemonic 'Sudden Surprise Startles' to remember the meaning of the word.

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