STARTLE
Star"tle, v. t.

1. To excite by sudden alarm, surprise, or apprehension; to frighten suddenly and not seriously; to alarm; to surprise. The supposition, at least, that angels do sometimes assume bodies need not startle us. Locke.

2. To deter; to cause to deviate. [R.] Clarendon.

Syn.
— To start; shock; fright; frighten; alarm.

STARTLE
Star"tle, n.

Defn: A sudden motion or shock caused by an unexpected alarm, surprise, or apprehension of danger. After having recovered from my first startle, I was very well pleased with the accident. Spectator.

STARTLINGLY
Star"tling*ly, adv.

Defn: In a startling manner.

STARTLISH
Star"tlish, a.

Defn: Easily startled; apt to start; startish; skittish; — said especially of a hourse. [Colloq.]