startle
4 synonyms for startle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To give someone a sudden shock or fright, usually without real danger.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
galvanize
galvanise
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To give someone a sudden shock or fright, usually without real danger.
“The fire alarm startled everyone in the office.”
How to use startle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
startle someone
easily startled
Etymology
From Old English steartlian, "to kick or struggle suddenly" — related to start in its older sense of jerking or flinching.
Full origin of startle →Frequently asked questions
What does “startle” mean?
The word “startle” means to give someone a sudden shock or fright, usually without real danger. In plain terms, to give someone a quick, unexpected fright.
How do you pronounce “startle”?
“Startle” is pronounced STAHTL (/ˈstɑɹt(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “startle” in a sentence?
Here is “startle” used in a sentence: “The fire alarm startled everyone in the office.”
What part of speech is “startle”?
Depending on how it is used, “startle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “startle” come from?
The word “startle” comes from Old English. From Old English steartlian, "to kick or struggle suddenly" — related to start in its older sense of jerking or flinching.
How many meanings does “startle” have?
“Startle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to give someone a sudden shock or fright, usually without real danger.
