1. To stimulate to action
   "the loud noise startled him awake";
   - galvanize, galvanise [Brit]
    
2. Move suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm
   "She startled when I walked into the room";
   - jump, start

1. A sudden involuntary movement
   "Her startle at the loud noise was visible";
   - jump, start

Derived forms: startling, startles, startled

Type of: blow out of the water, floor, inborn reflex, innate reflex, instinctive reflex, move, physiological reaction, reflex, reflex action, reflex response, shock, take aback, unconditioned reflex

Encyclopedia: Startle