Startle

Verb

Definition: To cause someone to feel sudden shock or alarm.

Synonyms: Surprise, Frighten, Alarm

Antonyms: Calm, Reassure

Examples:

The sudden loud noise startled me.
The dog's bark startled the birds and they flew away.

Mnemonics:

"Startle" rhymes with "start" and when something unexpected occurs, it often causes a "start"le reaction.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'stertlen', from Old English 'stieran' (to leap, jump up), influenced by Middle Low German 'storte' (a jump, shock)

Historical Usage:

The word has been used since Middle English with a similar definition of causing sudden alarm or fright.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Startle response"

Explanation:

The involuntary response of the body to a sudden stimulus, such as a loud noise or unexpected movement, causing a physical and emotional reaction.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Startle is the same as surprise.

Explanation:

While surprise can be a component of startle, startle generally implies a sudden and often intense reaction, accompanied by alarm or shock. Surprise, on the other hand, can be a milder or more neutral response to something unexpected or unexpected but pleasant.