startle
To cause a sudden shock or alarm, typically resulting in an involuntary physical jump.
/ˈstɑːt(ə)l/
Transitive Verb
This word captures the precise moment of a sudden, involuntary physical reaction to an unexpected stimulus. It describes a sharp spike of adrenaline that manifests as a jump, a gasp, or a flinch, rather than a prolonged state of fear or anxiety.
While "scare" refers to a general feeling of fright that can last for a long time, "startle" is an instantaneous event. It is often used in social contexts to describe the awkwardness of surprising someone who was deep in thought or unaware of your presence.
Meanings
Examples
Loud noises startle dogs.