English noun: startle | |||
1. | startle (act) a sudden involuntary movement | ||
Samples | He awoke with a start. | ||
Synonyms | jump, start | ||
Broader (hypernym) | inborn reflex, innate reflex, instinctive reflex, physiological reaction, reflex, reflex action, reflex response, unconditioned reflex | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | flinch, Moro reflex, startle reaction, startle reflex, startle response, wince | ||
English verb: startle | |||
1. | startle (emotion) to stimulate to action | ||
Samples | ..startled him awake. Galvanized into action. | ||
Examples | The bad news will startle him, The good news will startle her | ||
Synonyms | galvanise, galvanize | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody. Something ----s somebody. Somebody ----s somebody into V-ing something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | ball over, blow out of the water, floor, shock, take aback | ||
2. | startle (motion) move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm | ||
Samples | She startled when I walked into the room. | ||
Synonyms | jump, start | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s. Somebody ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | move | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | boggle, jackrabbit, rear back, shy | ||