Webster's English Dictionary

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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