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.