startle

Everyday

1. To startle someone is to surprise or frighten them suddenly, so that they jump or move quickly. tree →
2. To be startled is to get a sudden small fright. tree →
3. Something startling is so surprising that it makes you jump. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, a loud noise startles a character or animal; deer startle and run. In safety and animal care, do not startle dogs, horses or babies, because a startled animal may bite or kick. Phrases: «startled by», «a startled look».

Examples

• The loud bang startled the baby. tree →
• Don't startle the horse by running behind it. tree →
• The deer was startled and ran into the trees. tree →
• I was startled when my phone rang in the quiet library. tree →
• He gave me a startled look. tree →
• A sudden shout can startle a sleeping dog. tree →
• The cat startled when the door slammed. tree →
• But indeed there was something else, something very astonishing and startling. tree →

Note

Regular verb: drop the e: «startled», «startling». «Startling» as an adjective means very surprising («startling news»). Startle is a sudden small fright, weaker than «terrify». Approach animals calmly so you do not startle them.

In Jewish tradition

In Isaiah it means to make nations stand amazed and silent when they see God's servant lifted up.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the servant as Israel or its righteous one, whom the nations will one day see honoured and stand speechless at.

Examples

• So shall he startle many nations, kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them shall they see, and that which they had not heard shall they perceive. (Prophets ISA.52.15, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: drop the e: «startled», «startling». «Startling» as an adjective means very surprising («startling news»). Startle is a sudden small fright, weaker than «terrify». Approach animals calmly so you do not startle them.