STARTLE, v.i. [dim. 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?STARTLE, v.t. 1. To impress with fear; to excite by sudden alarm, surprise or apprehension; to shock; to alarm; to fright. We were startled at the cry of distress. Any great and unexpected event is apt to startle us.The supposition that angles assume bodies, need not startle us.2. To deter; to cause to deviate. [Little used.]STARTLE, n. A sudden motion or shock occasioned by an unexpected alarm, surprise or apprehension of danger; sudden impression of terror. After having recovered from my first startle, I was well pleased with the accident.
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