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- pronunciation:
- star
t
 l
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
startles, startling, startled |
| definition 1: |
When something startles you, it makes you jump or move suddenly in surprise.
The noise of the smoke alarm startled all of us.The thunder startled the cat, and it ran under the bed.- similar words:
- frighten, shake
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| definition 2: |
When something startles you, it surprises you very much. Sometimes it surprises you and upsets you.
The terrible news startled everyone.- synonyms:
- alarm, scare, shock, surprise
- similar words:
- astonish, disturb, frighten, shake, upset
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| related words: |
catch, shock, surprise |
| derivation: |
startlingly (adv.) |
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