startle
1. star.tle \'sta:rt-*l\ \'sta:rt-lin, -*l-in\ vb or star.tling [ME stertlen, freq. of sterten to start] : to move or jump suddenly as in surprise or alarm 1: to frighten suddenly and usu. not seriously 2: to cause to start 2. startle n : a sudden mild shock as of surprise or alarm : START