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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
   "he awoke with a startle";
   - jump, start

Derived forms: startled, startles, startling

Type of: ball over, 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