Star"tle (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Startled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Startling (?).] [Freq. of start.]

To move suddenly, or be excited, on feeling alarm; to start.

Why shrinks the soul Back on herself, and startles at destruction? Addison.

 

© Webster 1913.


Star"tle (?), v. t.

1.

To excite by sudden alarm, surprise, or apprehension; to frighten suddenly and not seriously; to alarm; to surprise.

The supposition, at least, that angels do sometimes assume bodies need not startle us. Locke.

2.

To deter; to cause to deviate.

[R.]

Clarendon.

Syn. -- To start; shock; fright; frighten; alarm.

 

© Webster 1913.


Star"tle, n.

A sudden motion or shock caused by an unexpected alarm, surprise, or apprehension of danger.

After having recovered from my first startle, I was very well pleased with the accident. Spectator.

 

© Webster 1913.