startle
noun
1. a sudden involuntary movement
- he awoke with a start
verb
1. to stimulate to action
- the loud noise startled him awake
Similar word(s): galvanise, galvanize
Definition categories: emotion, floor, shock
2. move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm
- She startled when I walked into the room
Definition categories: motion, move
Sentences with startle as a verb:
- a horse that startles easily