v. star·tled, star·tling, star·tles v.tr. 1. To cause to make a quick involuntary movement or start. 2. To alarm, frighten, or surprise suddenly. See Synonyms at frighten. v.intr. To become alarmed, frightened, or surprised. n. 1. A sudden, brief episode of fear. 2. A sudden, involuntary movement in response to something frightening or unexpected, such as a noise. [Middle English stertlen, to run about, from Old English steartlian, to kick; see ster-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] startling·ly adv. |
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