startle
word
Definition
To surprise or frighten someone suddenly, often because of an unexpected noise or movement.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in passive ('be startled by') or causative forms ('startle someone'). Refers to a quick, sharp surprise, not long-term fear. Common collocations: 'startle easily', 'startled expression', 'loud noise startled him'. Not used for minor, boring surprise.
Spanish: sobresaltar - asustar (por sorpresa)Portuguese (BR): assustar - sobressaltarPortuguese (PT): assustar - sobressaltarChinese (Simplified): 使吃惊 - 使受惊Chinese (Traditional): 使吃驚 - 使受驚Hindi: चौंका देना - डरा देना (अचानक)Arabic: يباغت - يفزع (بالمفاجأة)Bengali: হতবাক করা - চমকে দেওয়াRussian: испугать - поразить (резко)Japanese: 驚かす - びっくりさせるVietnamese: làm giật mình - làm hoảng hốtKorean: 깜짝 놀라게 하다Turkish: ürkütmek - irkiltmekUrdu: چونکا دیناIndonesian: membuat terkejut - mengejutkan
Example Sentences
The loud noise startled the baby.
basic
I didn't mean to startle you.
basic
The cat was startled by the barking dog.
basic
He gets startled easily, even by little things.
natural
The sudden flash of lightning really startled us.
natural
Don’t creep up behind me like that—you’ll startle me!
natural