startle

• Ein plötzliches, unwillkürliches Zusammenzucken oder Erschrecken, meist ausgelöst durch Überraschung, Schreck oder Angst. Auch der Vorgang des Erschreckens selbst.

A noun referring to a sudden, involuntary movement or reaction, typically caused by surprise, shock, or alarm.

1. Sudden involuntary movementB2formal

   A quick, often surprised or frightened, movement of the body caused by a sudden shock or alarm.

   Zusammenfahren

   • The loud bang caused a startle in the crowd.
   • She gave a startle when the cat jumped out.
   • He felt a startle as the door slammed shut.

   Synonymeflinchjerkjumpstarttwitchwince

   Antonymecalmcomposurestillness

• Verursachen, dass jemand plötzlich erschrickt oder überrascht wird, oft durch ein unerwartetes Ereignis oder eine unerwartete Handlung.

A verb used to indicate the act of causing someone to feel sudden shock or surprise, often by an unexpected event or action.

1. Surprise or alarm suddenlyB1formal

   To cause a person or animal to feel sudden shock or alarm, often resulting in a quick movement.

   Plötzlich erschrecken oder überraschen

   • The loud thunder startled the dog.
   • She was startled by a sudden knock on the door.
   • The unexpected news startled everyone in the room.

   Synonymealarmdismayflusterfrightenjoltpanicperturbscareshockstunsurpriseunsettle

   Antonymecalmcomfortreassuresoothe

2. Stimulate to actionB2formal

   To jolt someone into sudden awareness or activity, often breaking a state of inaction.

   Zum Handeln aufrütteln

   • The alarm clock startled him out of a deep sleep.
   • Her sharp comment startled him into responding.
   • The crisis startled the government into taking immediate measures.

   Synonymegalvanizejoltprodrouseshockspurstir

   Antonymecalmlullpacifysoothe

3. Move suddenly in surpriseB1formal

   To make a quick, involuntary movement as a reaction to something unexpected.

   Zusammenzucken

   • He startled back when the snake appeared.
   • The cat startled at the sound of a falling vase.
   • She startled and dropped her book when the phone rang.

   Synonymeflinchjerkjumpstarttwitchwince