3 entries under this word
(stärt'l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. STARTLED; p. pr. & vb. n. STARTLING.] [Diminutive of start.] To shrink; to move suddenly, or be excited, on feeling a sudden alarm.
*Why shrinks the soul Back on herself, and startles at destruction?* Addison.
(stärt′l), v. t. 1. To excite by sudden alarm, surprise, or apprehension; to fright suddenly, and not seriously; to shock; to alarm.
The supposition that angels assume bodies need not startle us. Locke.
Sense 2. To deter; to cause to deviate. [R.] Clarendon.
Synonyms—To start; shock; fright; frighten; alarm; surprise.
(stărt'l), n. A sudden motion or shock occasioned by an unexpected alarm, surprise, or apprehension of danger. After having recovered from my first startle, I was well pleased with the accident. Spectator.