ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›S›startle
ISEE/SSATeasy
startle
to surprise someone suddenly
Synonyms
- surprise
- shock
- alarm
Antonyms
- soothe
- reassure
startle in a sentence
The toaster popping startled the sleepy cat.
The unexpected ring of the timer startled Ben.
Where it comes from
From Middle English startlen 'to move suddenly'
Memory hook
Think of shouting 'Start!' unexpectedly—it could startle someone by surprising them.
Read it in context
- The Returning Shore Nature